New Delhi buzzed with diplomatic activity on Friday as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held key meetings with international counterparts. In a significant engagement, Jaishankar sat down with Ahmed Abul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (LAS), to discuss ways to deepen India-Arab cooperation across multiple sectors.
The conversation covered a wide array of domains, from economic ties to regional developments. Jaishankar later shared on X (formerly Twitter), ‘Had a good meeting this morning with LAS Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit. Detailed discussions on our cooperation and strengthening it across different domains. Also exchanged views on recent developments in the region.’
Not stopping there, Jaishankar also met with Comoros Foreign Minister Mbe Mohamed. Their talks focused on collaboration in health, sports, infrastructure, and capacity building. ‘Delighted to meet Foreign Minister Mbe Mohamed of Comoros today. Discussed cooperation in health, sports, infrastructure and capacity building. Agreed on the importance of more frequent interactions between our two countries,’ Jaishankar posted.
Abul Gheit arrived in New Delhi on Thursday to participate in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM), hosted by India and the UAE. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warmly welcomed him, stating on X, ‘Delighted to welcome Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Abul Gheit, who is in New Delhi for the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings. The high-level meetings over the next two days reflect our shared commitment to a strong India-Arab partnership across all sectors.’
Other dignitaries, including Foreign Ministers from Palestine and Sudan, also reached the capital ahead of the summit. The IAFMM, set for Saturday, follows the fourth India-Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting held on Friday. This gathering, a decade after the inaugural one in Bahrain in 2014, aims to propel existing ties forward.
Back in 2014, leaders identified five key pillars: economy, energy, education, media & culture. Formalized in 2002 via an MoU between India and LAS, the IAFMM stands as the premier institutional mechanism for this vital partnership, promising enhanced collaboration in today’s dynamic global landscape.