New Delhi [India], October 6 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar embarked on a five-day official visit to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ethiopia starting Tuesday, with the objective of deepening the bilateral partnership between India and the three African nations.
As detailed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), throughout the visit spanning October 6 to 10, the External Affairs Minister will hold bilateral meetings with his respective counterparts, alongside meeting with the leadership across all three countries to evaluate existing close ties characterised by friendship and cooperation.
The MEA stated, “Discussions will cover the whole gamut of bilateral ties across sectors, including trade and economic, development cooperation, capacity building, and people-to-people ties. He will also exchange perspectives on regional and global matters of mutual interest.”
While stationed in Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa, the External Affairs Minister is additionally scheduled to chair the Regional Heads of Mission Conference.
The MEA mentioned, “The visit of EAM is reflective of India’s commitment to deepen its partnership with Africa, and will further India’s solidarity with the Global South.”
During a transit stop in Addis Ababa, EAM Jaishankar met Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who serves as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Sharing the encounter online, he posted on X, “Was so nice to see Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey during our transit in Addis Ababa.”
Earlier, the External Affairs Minister met former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in New Delhi, during which both leaders deliberated upon global developments alongside the changing landscape within the Indo-Pacific region.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, the External Affairs Minister stated, “A pleasure to meet up with former PM Dr Kevin Rudd in New Delhi yesterday. Exchanged perspectives on global developments and the Indo-Pacific.”
Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana announced that EAM Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Ghana from October 6 to 7, following an invitation extended by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The Ministry stated in a Facebook post, “Ghana looks forward to hosting His Excellency Dr S. Jaishankar on this historic visit, which will afford the two countries the opportunity to renew their inseparable bond of solidarity and shared values.”
The statement further added, “During the visit, Ghana and India will hold discussions that will advance their relations in pharmaceutical development within the framework of President (John Dramani) Mahama’s Accra Reset philosophy; deepening agricultural cooperation in mechanisation and value addition; support for President Mahama’s industrialisation and job creation agenda; and expanding scholarships and IT partnerships.” (ANI)
EAM Jaishankar undertakes five-day visit to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Ethiopia
