Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita met with Xavier Emanuel Harry, Vanuatu’s Acting Foreign Affairs Minister, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Margherita reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Vanuatu’s development initiatives, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two nations.
During the meeting, Margherita and Harry focused on advancing bilateral development cooperation, particularly in areas such as health, capacity building, and climate-resilient infrastructure. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in multilateral forums, underscoring India’s dedication to assisting Vanuatu in its development journey.
Margherita’s visit included a tour of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology in Vanuatu, an institution supported by India to enhance digital skills and empower local youth. He highlighted the institution as a symbol of the growing friendship and cooperation between India and Vanuatu, further solidifying their bilateral ties.
Arriving in Port Vila for his first official visit to Vanuatu, Margherita expressed eagerness for meaningful engagements to strengthen the enduring friendship and partnership between the two countries. His visit to Vanuatu and Tuvalu from April 22 to 25 aims to foster closer relationships through bilateral discussions with key officials, including Prime Ministers, in both nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that Margherita’s visit underscores India’s commitment to bolstering political and developmental cooperation with Pacific Island countries. This visit builds on the foundation laid during the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in May 2023, held in Port Moresby.
