S Jaishankar to Embark on Diplomatic Tour to Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Switzerland

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Switzerland from September 8-13, 2024. He will attend key diplomatic meetings to strengthen India's ties with GCC countries, Germany, and Switzerland, reviewing bilateral relations and exploring new cooperation avenues.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to embark on a significant diplomatic tour that will take him to Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Switzerland from September 8 to 13, 2024. The tour begins with his participation in the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar will also hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Notably, the GCC is one of India's major trading partners, and the region hosts a large Indian expatriate community. The upcoming meetings aim to review and enhance institutional cooperation in various sectors.

The second leg of Jaishankar's journey takes him to Berlin, Germany, from September 10 to 11, marking his third bilateral visit to the German capital. India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership, with Germany being a key trading partner and one of the largest foreign direct investors in India. During his visit, Jaishankar will meet with the German Federal Foreign Minister and other key German officials to review bilateral relations comprehensively.

Concluding his tour, the External Affairs Minister will visit Geneva, Switzerland from September 12 to 13. Geneva is home to numerous UN bodies and international organizations. Jaishankar is expected to meet with the heads and representatives of these organizations. Additionally, he will hold discussions with the Swiss Foreign Minister to further the close partnership between India and Switzerland and explore avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies.)