New Delhi, July 14 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Minister’s meeting, today met SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev and discussed the contribution and importance of the SCO and endeavours to modernise its functioning.

"Glad to meet SCO SG Nurlan Yermekbayev in Beijing today. Discussed the contribution and importance of SCO, as well as the endeavors to modernize its working,’’ the External Affairs Minister said on X.

Dr Jaishankar, who is on his first visit to Beijing in five years, will participate in the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Tianjin tomorrow. He is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

Earlier Dr Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing and expressed confidence that his discussions with Chinese leaders would maintain the "positive trajectory" in relations between New Delhi and Beijing.

Dr Jaishankar is also expected to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Sources said the two leaders are expected to discuss several issues including rare earth supplies to India, the Dalai Lama succession and the recent India-Pakistan tensions.
UNI RB PRS