External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, during ASEAN-related meetings in Manila. The ministers discussed recent developments in the Gulf region and agreed to stay in touch after the meeting. This interaction comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia due to military activities involving the US and Iran.
EAM Jaishankar also engaged with Netherlands counterpart Tom Berendsen, highlighting the upgraded Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The elevation of ties has paved the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors such as semiconductors, water resources, green hydrogen, health, and culture. The outcomes of PM Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Netherlands were also discussed during their meeting.
Furthermore, Jaishankar held discussions with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General ad interim Christian Saunders. The talks revolved around India’s contributions and commitments made at a recent Donors Conference focusing on health and capacity building efforts.
EAM Jaishankar’s official visit to the Philippines included participation in Foreign Minister level meetings under the ASEAN framework. During the visit, he attended the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS) and met with Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to convey India’s support for the country’s chairship of ASEAN. The minister emphasized the ongoing diversification of cooperation between India and the Philippines within the Strategic Partnership framework.
