External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia today to participate in the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with foreign ministers from the GCC member states, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, is a significant political and economic alliance in the Gulf region.
Jaishankar shared his arrival on social media, thanking Abdulmajeed Al Smari, the Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, for the warm welcome.
“Arrived in Riyadh for the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Thank you to Abdulmajeed Al Smari for the warm reception,” Jaishankar posted on X.
India’s relationship with the GCC is extensive and multifaceted, spanning political, trade, investment, energy, cultural, and people-to-people ties. The GCC region is a major trading partner for India and hosts a large Indian expatriate community, numbering approximately 8.9 million. The upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity to enhance and expand institutional cooperation between India and the GCC.
Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin, Germany, for a two-day official visit from September 10 to 11. This trip marks his third visit to Berlin as Minister. “India and Germany enjoy a strong Strategic Partnership, with Germany being one of India’s key trading partners and significant sources of Foreign Direct Investment,” the MEA stated.
Jaishankar will then head to Geneva, Switzerland, from September 12 to 13 for another official visit. In Geneva, he will meet with leaders and representatives of international organizations with which India maintains active engagement.
Additionally, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will visit India for a two-day official trip from September 9 to 10. During this visit, the Crown Prince is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss bilateral cooperation.
On Friday, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of strengthening India’s connections with the Mediterranean region. Speaking at the CII India Mediterranean Business Conclave, he highlighted the need for collaboration, open communication, and commitment to shared goals to address current challenges and seize new opportunities. He also stressed the importance of bolstering security and defense cooperation, given the current global volatility and economic uncertainty.
Jaishankar noted the Mediterranean region’s potential in green hydrogen and green ammonia, underscoring energy cooperation as a crucial aspect of future collaboration.
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