EAM holds bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries

New York : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of several countries, including Hungary, Cyprus, South Korea, Italy and Belgium on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly here.

On his meeting with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó of Hungary, Jaishankar said the two sides during the talks recognised the steady progress in trade and investment.

“Always a pleasure to meet FM Péter Szijjártó of Hungary.

“Recognized the steady progress in trade, investment and other exchanges.

“Our cooperation in multilateral forums continues,” he tweeted.

On his meeting with his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong, Jaishankar said that Seoul’s New Southern Policy and India’s Act East Policy have strengthened the convergence between the two sides in the Indo-Pacific.

“Pleased to meet FM Chung Eui-yong of Republic of Korea.

“A wide ranging conversation on different aspects of our relationship.

“RoK’s New Southern Policy and India’s Act East Policy have strengthened our convergence in the Indo-Pacific,” the EAM posted.

Jaishankar also met Luigi Di Maio, the Foreign Minister of Italy, and said that the two had a useful interaction on challenges related to vaccine accessibility and smooth travel.

“Useful interaction with @luigidimaio, Foreign Minister of Italy, the current G20 chair.

“Discussed challenges related to vaccine accessibility and smooth travel.

“Look forward to joining him at a discussion on Afghanistan tomorrow,” he posted.

On his meeting with Sophie Wilmes, the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jaishankar said they discussed how best to address Covid related travel challenges and also exchanged views on Afghanistan.

“Warm conversation with FM @sophie_wilmes of Belgium.

“Discussed how best to address Covid related travel challenges. Also exchanged views on Afghanistan.”

Jaishankar also met Roberto Alvarez, the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic and said he looks forward to India opening its embassy soon in the Caribbean nation.

“Glad to meet FM @RobalsdqAlvarez of Dominican Republic.

“Discussed deepening our relationship. Looking forward to the opening of our Embassy soon.”

Jaishankar also met Nikos Christodoulides, the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, and said the two sides are working to take the economic ties forward.

“Delighted to meet FM @Christodulides

of Cyprus.

“Working to take our economic ties forward.

“Appreciated his regional insights.

“Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all,” he posted, in reference to the UNSC resolution on Varosha, a vacated and fenced-off resort town located in the eastern Cypriot city of Famagusta, where Turkey announced plans to resettle Turkish people. In July this year, the UNSC unanimously condemned Turkish authorities’ announcement and insisted that Turkey refrain from implementing the plans.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Jaishankar had held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from France, Australia, Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Vietnam and Lithuania.