India and Kuwait Commit to Enhancing Collaboration in Trade and Various Sectors
New Delhi: On Wednesday, India and Kuwait conducted an extensive review of their bilateral relationship, agreeing to enhance cooperation in various areas such as political ties, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people connections.
The sixth round of India-Kuwait Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) took place in Kuwait, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
During the FOC, both nations thoroughly reviewed their bilateral relationship and shared perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
In a tweet, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait highlighted the event, co-chaired by Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf), and Sameeh Essah Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia Affairs of Kuwait. They reviewed the entire spectrum of their multifaceted ties to further strengthen and diversify them.
“Both sides expressed satisfaction with the traditionally strong bilateral ties and agreed to enhance cooperation in various domains, including political ties, regular high-level exchanges, trade and investment, education, technology, health, culture, and people-to-people contacts,” the statement added.
The Indian delegation was led by Aseem R. Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) of the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Kuwaiti delegation was headed by Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia Affairs.
Additionally, the Joint Secretary met with Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss new initiatives for deepening the India-Kuwait partnership.
On Tuesday, Mahajan met with Ziyad Al-Najem, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. They discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, including boosting bilateral trade, diversifying the trade basket, deepening energy cooperation, and exploring new initiatives in technology and fintech.
In a meeting with Tahani Rashid Al-Naseer, Assistant Foreign Minister (Legal) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions focused on the early finalization of various agreements and MoUs.
The timely convening of this FOC, following the previous one in May 2023, is expected to “impart further momentum in bilateral relations.” Both sides expressed satisfaction with the consultations’ outcomes and agreed to hold the next FOC in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.
Published: 24 July 2024, 17:24 IST