Jaishankar wraps up visit to Cyprus, Austria after signing agreements on migration, visa, solar alliance

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday concluded his two-nation visit to Cyprus and Austria that saw a wide-ranging discussion on a gamut of issues, reaffirmation of strong diplomatic ties with both countries, talks on India-EU relations and inking of deals on several key issues, including migration and mobility.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday concluded his two-nation visit to Cyprus and Austria that saw a wide-ranging discussion on a gamut of issues, reaffirmation of strong diplomatic ties with both countries, talks on India-EU relations and inking of deals on several key issues, including migration and mobility. During his visit to Cyprus, Jaishankar held meetings on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest. He met with the President of the House of Representatives and acting President, Annita Demetriou and laid a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi bust next to the Parliament.

"The President of the House of Representatives presented a set of commemorative stamps released by Cyprus post on the occasion of 75 years of India's Independence and 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. External Affairs Minister met with his Cypriot counterpart, Ioannis Kasoulides.

Both ministers appreciated the excellent bilateral relations and close cooperation between India and Cyprus. Both sides undertook a detailed review of bilateral ties, including political, economic, commercial and cultural relations. They also exchanged views on India-EU relations, regional as well as international issues of mutual interest. During the visit, MoUs on Defence and Military Cooperation and the Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility were signed between the two countries. Cyprus became the 111th country to sign the Framework Agreement and 92nd full-member country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Minister Jaishankar addressed the business community in Cyprus and apprised them about trade and investment opportunities that India offers. He also interacted with the Indian Diaspora and appreciated their contribution towards stronger bilateral ties. In Austria, EAM attended the iconic Austrian New Year's concert at the official invitation of Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg. It was EAM's first visit to Austria as External Affairs Minister and also the first such visit from India in 27 years.

During the visit, EAM met Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen and Speaker of Austrian Parliament Wolfgang Sobotka. EAM called on Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and held talks with FM Schallenberg. "The discussions covered a wide gamut of issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues. The two sides signed/initialed several agreements, including in the areas of Migration and Mobility which is the first such agreement reached by Austria with any country with whom they have a visa regime and only the second with a non-OECD country," the MEA statement read.

According to MEA, a Working Holiday Programme agreement signed will allow Indians on holiday in Austria to find employment and work without a work permit for up to six months. Other agreements include the areas of culture and visa-free entry of diplomatic passport holders. Jaishankar also called on President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev who was also in Vienna at the same time. For the first time, EAM also held a joint meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavsky and Slovakia, Rastislav Kacer in the Slavkov format.

The four Foreign Ministers discussed India-EU relations, respective neighbourhoods and the Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar also had a separate bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavsky. On Tuesday, Jaishankar also met the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi and discussed further enhancing IAEA's collaboration with India in many areas including combating climate change, medical care and other nuclear applications for societal benefit.

The External Affairs Ministers also interacted with the Indian Community in Austria on New Year's Day where a cultural programme representative of India's rich diversity was also showcased. He engaged with prominent Austrians in foreign and strategic affairs and the Austrian media through television and print interviews. (ANI)

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