External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, held a crucial meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday, 20th January, 2024, as part of the ongoing 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, Uganda. The meeting saw discussions on bilateral initiatives and cooperation between the two nations, strengthening ties on regional and global fronts. In a series of bilateral engagements at the NAM summit, Dr. Jaishankar engaged with leaders from various countries, including Bolivia, Azerbaijan, and Venezuela. These meetings were an opportunity to exchange views on a spectrum of regional and global issues and further enhance bilateral relations.
Dr. Jaishankar also took the chance to meet Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, to discuss ongoing developments in the region. The EAM shared his sentiments on Twitter, expressing the positivity of the meeting and the importance of discussing regional affairs with Bahrain.
The meeting with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister covered a range of topics, including economic, energy, and development cooperation. The leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues.
The bilateral discussions with Azerbaijan focused on strengthening ties between the two nations and addressing regional matters of mutual concern. Similarly, the meeting with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda delved into the areas of cooperation in development and traditional medicine.
In addition to these bilateral engagements, Dr. Jaishankar offered glimpses of the 19th NAM Summit, showcasing moments where he interacted with various foreign dignitaries. The NAM Summit, themed ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,’ brought together delegates from over 120 developing countries, emphasizing historic significance and mutual cooperation.
India, as one of the leading and founding members of NAM, expressed wholehearted support for Uganda’s theme. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement. During his stay in Kampala, Dr. Jaishankar also met with Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. The leaders exchanged views on the ongoing discussions regarding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. Further discussions focused on expediting the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives and enhancing cooperation within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and NAM.
The 19th NAM Summit under Uganda’s leadership continues to serve as a crucial platform for diplomatic engagements, fostering cooperation and solidarity among its member nations. As the Indian delegation, led by EAM Dr. Jaishankar, actively participates, the Summit holds the promise of advancing shared global prosperity.
