New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic outreach, Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, arrived in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on January 21 for the 5th round of India-Turkmenistan Foreign Office Consultations and the SPECA Economic Forum. The event, hosted under the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), underscored India’s deepening engagement with Central Asian nations.
George led the Indian delegation in high-level meetings, starting with Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Rashid Meredov. He conveyed warm greetings from India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, setting a cordial tone for discussions on bolstering bilateral partnerships.
The talks delved into strengthening mutually beneficial ties across multiple domains. Later that day, George held consultations with Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova. These sessions reviewed bilateral relations comprehensively, covering politics, defense, security, trade, economy, culture, education, and consular affairs.
Both sides exchanged views on cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral forums, addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest. As a guest nation at the SPECA Economic Forum chaired by Turkmenistan’s Finance Minister Mämmetguly Astanaguylov, George articulated India’s vision for enhanced trade, investment, economic linkages, and connectivity with Central Asian countries.
This visit aligns seamlessly with India’s ‘Extended Neighbourhood’ policy, aimed at fortifying longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation with Turkmenistan and other Central Asian partners. It signals New Delhi’s strategic focus on regional stability and prosperity through robust diplomatic channels.
