Perth [Australia], February 10 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Madagascar counterpart Rafaravavitafika Rasata on the sidelines of the 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth on Saturday.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the bilateral relations shared by India and Madagascar. Both ministers expressed their desire to deepen the existing ties between the two countries.
In a social media post, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in meeting the Foreign Minister of Madagascar, stating, Nice to meet FM @rafaravavitafi1 of Madagascar on the sidelines of the 7th Indian Ocean Conference. Discussed our bilateral relations that we hope to deepen.
In addition to his meeting with the Madagascar Foreign Minister, Jaishankar also held discussions with his Australian counterpart, Senator Penny Wong, on a range of global issues including the Indo-Pacific and the situation in West Asia.
The meeting between Jaishankar and Wong aimed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Australia. The comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations was a key focus of the talks. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various domains, with a specific emphasis on matters related to the Indian Ocean region.
Jaishankar is currently in the Australian city of Perth to attend the two-day 7th Indian Ocean Conference. The forum, organized annually by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the India Foundation, brings together leaders and delegates to deliberate on crucial regional issues.
With the theme Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean, this edition of the conference aims to enhance stability and sustainability across the Indian Ocean Region. Since its inception in 2016 in Singapore, the Indian Ocean Conference has played a vital role in fostering collaboration among nations and maritime partners in the region.
The conference provides a platform for discourse on the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
By addressing regional challenges and strengthening ties between nations, the 7th Indian Ocean Conference exemplifies the collective commitment towards stability and sustainability in the Indian Ocean Region.
