EAM Jaishankar flags Rubio’s first bilateral was with him
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed his delight in meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for “his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office.”
Jaishankar and Rubio met shortly after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which was the first foreign policy engagement for Rubio as well as the Trump administration.
Rubio also met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya following the meeting. Australia and Japan are both close treaty partners of the US, with Australia being part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance and Japan having a security pact with the US.
“Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assuming office as Secretary of State,” Jaishankar tweeted. “Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate. Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to working closely with him to advance our strategic cooperation.”
Jaishankar also posted pictures of his second meeting with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, stating, “Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity. Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome-oriented agenda.”
Regarding the Quad meeting, Jaishankar shared, “Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong & Takeshi Iwaya for their participation.”
He highlighted the significance of the meeting, noting, “Significant that the Quad Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration. This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states.”
Jaishankar further emphasized that the Quad discussions addressed various aspects of ensuring a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. “We agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda, and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good,” he added.
