External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (right) with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting on Friday | Photo: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and leaders of South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Laos and others. He discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including education and agricultural technology.
Jaishankar is in the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to attend the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He met Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on the sidelines of the meeting.
“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met on the sidelines of #ASEAN events Vientiane, July 26, 2024 #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a post on X, with an attached photo of the two ministers.
Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his South Korean counterpart and had an extensive discussion on the Special Strategic Partnership.
“Pleasure to meet RoK @FMChoTaeyul in Vientiane today. Wide-ranging discussion on Special Strategic Partnership. Our shared convergences in the Indo-Pacific region also open new avenues for cooperation,” Jaishankar posted on X.
He also met the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
“Delighted to meet EU HRVP @JosepBorrellF, this time in Vientiane. Discussed the potential of India and the European Union to enhance partnership in trade, clean energy transition and advanced technologies. Exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues. Thanks to HRVP Borrell for his friendship and steadfast support in strengthening India-EU ties,” Jaishankar posted.
He also met his counterpart and ‘best friend’ from Singapore and had wonderful conversations with him.
“Great conversation with good friend FM @VivianBala from Singapore. Thank you Singapore for steering ASEAN-India relations in the last three years as Country Coordinator. We discussed creating a new agenda for our bilateral ties. Also appreciated his thoughts on the current geopolitical situation,” Jaishankar posted on X.
He also met his Indonesian counterpart.
“Always great to see my friend FM @Menlu_RI of Indonesia. Congratulated her on a great stint as Foreign Minister. Her contribution to India-Indonesia and India-ASEAN relations are remarkable. Enjoyed working with her during our G20 presidencies.” Jaishankar also met his Malaysian counterpart.
“A warm conversation with Malaysian FM @tokmatn9 today in Vientiane. Discussed ongoing initiatives in our bilateral relationship. Look forward to strengthening our ties in the second decade of our Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Jaishankar had a bilateral meeting with his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters, who is also the country’s Deputy Prime Minister.
“Always enjoy meeting DPM & FM @winstonpeters from New Zealand. We talked about education, ag tech, Pacific Islands and cricket,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Jaishankar also met with his Brunei counterpart, Dato Haji Erywan.
The two leaders launched the logo to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
“We are confident that our warm and friendly ties will continue to flourish,” Jaishankar said.
He also met with Lao Minister of Interior Vilayvo ng Bouddakham, Minister of Industry and Trade Malaithong Kommasith, Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Sanya Praseuth and Special Envoy Alounkeo Kittikhoun.
“Thanks Ambassador Prashant Agrawal for hosting us,” Jaishankar said. Jaishankar is in the Lao capital to participate in the foreign ministers’ meetings under the ASEAN framework in the form of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to further deepen India’s ties with the bloc as New Delhi marks a decade of Act East Policy.
In his speech at the opening session of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting earlier on Friday, Jaishankar said ASEAN is the cornerstone of India’s Act East policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.
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First print: Jul 27, 2024 | 12:13 PM IST