New Delhi, Jan 22 (UNI) Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita visited the Philippines, and the Pacific Island Countries of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from January 14-21.
In the Philippines, MoS Margherita began his visit on January 14 by paying floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. He had a meeting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, and called on President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Discussions were held across a wide range of topics to review the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and to explore possibilities of further expanding and deepening bilateral ties. MoS also interacted with representatives of the Indian Diaspora organizations in Manila. The visit marked an important milestone in the ongoing celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a statement said.
At the invitation of the Palau Government, MoS Margherita attended the inauguration of Surangel Whipps Jr. as President for his second term, Raynold Oilouch as the new Vice President, and the 12th Constitutional Government of the Republic of Palau on January 16.
He called on the President and visited Peleliu Island where he formally handed over 12 water tanks gifted by the Government of India for harvesting of rainwater to the Governor of the Island. This was the first ever visit by Minister of State for External Affairs to Palau. In his talks with the President, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to further enhance development cooperation between the two countries.
On the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony in Palau, MoS interacted with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape, Foreign Minister of Japan Takeshi Iwaya, Foreign and Trade Minister of the Republic of Marshal Islands Kalani Kaneko, among others.
In the Federated States of Micronesia, MoS Margherita had a meeting with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert, and called on the President Wesley W. Simina in the presence of Vice President Aren B. Palik, and several members of the Cabinet. The two sides had wide ranging discussions on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance development cooperation.
This was the first ever Ministerial visit from India to the FSM.
During a short stopover at the United States territory of Guam on January 21, MoS interacted with the representatives of the Indian community in Guam, which among others was attended by the Governor of Guam Lou Leon Guerrero.
The visit by MoS Margherita to the Philippines, Palau and FSM, and the US territory of Guam, was very well received, and contributed to the enhancement of bilateral ties in line with India’s Act East Policy and our broader Indo-Pacific vision, the statement added.
UNI RN