External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on a two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, engaged in discussions with President Sadyr Zhaparov to explore opportunities for bolstering bilateral collaboration across the banking, defense, and energy domains. As part of his visit, Jaishankar received a warm welcome and is set to convene with Kyrgyzstan's leadership while also participating in a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
In a tweet, he said: "Delighted to call on President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyz Republic. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed cooperation in banking, energy, health and pharma, defense, agriculture and investments".
Earlier in a tweet, Jaishankar said: "Thank Deputy FM Moldogaziev for the warm reception. Look forward to productive exchanges at the SCO; meeting Kyrgyz leadership and taking forward our bilateral agenda."
The SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting is being hosted by Kyrgyzstan, and it is anticipated to welcome the presence of key figures such as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in the Kyrgyz capital city of Bishkek.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Jaishankar's visit and his role in leading the Indian delegation for the 22nd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG), under the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic. In an official statement, the MEA said, "In Bishkek, the external affairs minister will also meet with his counterparts from other SCO member states and call on the country's top leadership".
The visit demonstrates India's commitment to maintaining and strengthening diplomatic ties within the SCO framework, as well as promoting regional cooperation and meaningful dialogue among member states. The SCO plays a significant role in addressing regional and global challenges, promoting economic cooperation, and facilitating political and security discussions among its member countries.