New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud today discussed avenues to strengthen the bilateral Strategic Partnership in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, culture and consular matters.
During their talks held at Hyderabad House, they also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two ministers also co-chaired the second ministerial meeting of the Political, Security, Social and Cultural Committee (PSSC) of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) during which they reviewed the progress in the bilateral relationship since the State Visit of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India in September 2023.
EAM expressed his appreciation to the Saudi Foreign Minister for the welfare of the 2.65 million strong Indian community living in the Kingdom who have contributed to the strong people to people ties between the two countries, a statement said.
EAM posted on X:
“Delighted to co-chair along with FM @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia the 2nd Meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation #PSSC under our Strategic Partnership Council in Delhi today.
“Held productive discussions on our multi-faceted bilateral ties including defence partnership, security cooperation, trade & investment, culture, tourism & youth exchanges and our people to people connections.
“We also exchanged views on regional and international issues, especially the ongoing conflict in West Asia and our joint efforts in various multilateral fora.”
According to a Saudi statement, during the meeting, Prince Faisal delivered a speech emphasizing that the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council between Saudi Arabia and India, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has paved the way for a new era of cooperation across various fields.
Prince Faisal expressed his aspiration to enhance the council's capabilities and efficiency to achieve common goals.
He also highlighted the importance of coordination and collaboration on issues of mutual interest, particularly in areas related to international peace, security, and economic development. The Saudi FM expressed his confidence that strengthening cooperation would serve the two countries' mutual interests.
The meeting further discussed the agreed-upon initiatives outlined in the meeting's minutes, which included enhancing cooperation in political, consular, defense, military, judicial, security, social, and cultural fields.
The meeting was attended by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy in India, Jadi Alraqaas, the Director General of the Office of the Foreign Minister, Abdulrahman Aldawood, and the Director of the Department of the Asian Countries at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Al-Ghanoum.
The Saudi Foreign Minister was on an official visit to India on November 12-13.
UNI RN