EAM Jaishankar Meets Global Officials for Discussions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has met with officials from Asia, Europe, and Latin America on the sidelines of the UN high-level meetings to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss international and regional issues.

His discussions began with France’s new Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barro, with whom he has established close strategic and diplomatic ties. After their meeting, Jaishankar noted on X that they had a “useful exchange of views on major regional issues.” Barro was appointed just last week by Prime Minister Michel Barnier following recent elections.

Jaishankar also met with European Union Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra, describing him as a “dear friend.” He expressed appreciation for Hoekstra’s support in enhancing the India-EU partnership, which Hoekstra echoed by emphasizing their collaborative efforts in geopolitics, climate, and business.

Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, highlighted on X that India is a vital global player and priority partner for Spain. They discussed various aspects of their bilateral relations, including trade and cultural ties, as well as situations in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific.

Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ian Borg, shared insights from his meeting with Jaishankar, focusing on the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. They explored how both countries can collaborate to address pressing global and regional challenges, including sustainable development and human rights protection, while also discussing enhancing trade relations.

Following a meeting with Cyprus’s Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, Jaishankar noted their focus on ongoing developments in West Asia and their broader implications.

The situation in Ukraine was also a topic during his discussion with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mihai Popsoi, where they explored deepening their partnership in pharmaceuticals, health, education, capacity building, and trade.

After meeting with Bolivia’s Foreign Minister, Celinda Sosa Lunda, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of advancing bilateral cooperation, noting their partnership’s steady progress across various dimensions.

Jaishankar also spoke with Hugh Hilton Todd, the Foreign Minister of Guyana, acknowledging the significance of their growing diaspora ties.

Closer to home, Yemen’s Vice President, Aidaros Alzubidi, shared on X that their meeting covered regional stability and maritime security, particularly in the Red Sea. He expressed his anticipation for developing a partnership with India, to which Jaishankar responded by affirming India’s support for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Yemen amidst the country’s ongoing civil conflict and its implications for regional shipping.