EAM Jaishankar meets Central Asian Foreign Ministers; signs cooperation programs, discusses trade –

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan in New Delhi yesterday. While meeting the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, Dr Jaishankar signed a Program of Cooperation for strengthening India-Kazakhstan ties. He also discussed facets of strategic partnership between both countries, focusing on political, trade, investment and energy cooperation. Dr Jaishankar also spoke about widening connectivity with the Central Asia region. The External Affairs Minister also appreciated Mr Nurtleu’s reaffirmation of zero tolerance for terrorism.
 
While meeting the Foreign Affairs Minister of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Dr Jaishankar shared views on furthering cooperation, including deeper trade, investment and connectivity ties between both countries and agreed on the need to firmly counter terrorism in India.
 
In a meeting held with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Kyrgyz Republic, Zheenbek Kulubaev, the Minister held talks on cooperation in banking, education, energy, health, connectivity and capacity building of both countries. Both sides also signed a Program of Cooperation as a step forward in deepening their bilateral ties. The Minister also thanked Mr Kulubaev for their support and solidarity in countering terrorism.
 
While meeting the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, Dr Jaishankar held talks deepening cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, connectivity, health and energy sectors between both countries. Dr Jaishankar also welcomed Mr Meredov’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.