New York on September 26th : India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, engaged in significant discussions with top United Nations (UN) leaders. The talks encompassed India’s role as the host of the G20 Presidency, regional and global challenges, sustainable development goals, and reforms within the UN Security Council.
Ahead of his address at the General Debate during the ongoing high-level United Nations General Assembly session, Jaishankar held meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly Dennis Francis, and the United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner.
Jaishankar expressed his pleasure at meeting Guterres and emphasized how India’s G20 Presidency has contributed to reinforcing the UN’s sustainable development agenda. He praised Guterres’ strong commitment to reforming international financial institutions. In a statement from the UN spokesperson’s office, Guterres appreciated India’s cooperation with the UN and its leadership in the G20. The two leaders also discussed critical situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other global challenges.
Jaishankar previously attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, which took place on September 9th and 10th, hosted by India.
In his meeting with President Dennis Francis, Jaishankar welcomed Francis’ recognition of India’s G20 Presidency outcomes. They both emphasized the importance of reforming multilateralism and ensuring that the Global South has its rightful voice on crucial global issues. President Francis discussed key priorities for the 78th UNGA session, including UNSC reforms and building upon the results of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit held during the high-level week, leading up to the Summit of the Future scheduled for 2024.
Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to Francis for attending the special ‘India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development’ side event, which the minister hosted in New York on Saturday.
During his meeting with Achim Steiner, Jaishankar commended the UNDP’s active engagement with India’s G20 Presidency initiatives. He proposed working together to amplify India’s successful initiatives for the global benefit.
Furthermore, Jaishankar held discussions with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foreign Minister of the UAE, and expressed his appreciation for the progress in bilateral cooperation. The two ministers exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues.
Jaishankar also had a fruitful meeting with Yvette Sylla, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar. Their discussion revolved around development partnerships, millet and rice production, digital delivery, and defense cooperation.
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