EAM Sushma Swaraj calls on Azerbaijan Prez Ilham Aliyev to boosts bilateral ties in various sectors

Baku, April 4: Today External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and discussed strengthening cooperation in trade & investment, connectivity and transportation, culture and tourism, pharmaceuticals, energy, IT and other sectors. 

Early in her schedule, EAM Sushma Swaraj touched down Baku, where she was received with a warm welcome on her first visit to Azerbaijan. EAM Swaraj is on her 3-day visit to Azerbaijan, with an effort to boost bilateral relations between India and Azerbaijan. EAM Sushma Swaraj is also set to participate in Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Conference.

 

The NAM Mid-Term Ministerial Conference will be held in the capital city of Azerbaijan- Baku on 5-6 April under the theme of "Promoting International Peace and Security for Sustainable Development".

EAM Sushma Swaraj is also set to hold bilateral consultations with her Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Later on, she is also scheduled to call on the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva.

Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release that as a founding member of NAM, India remains committed to the purposes and principles of the Movement. It said External Affairs Minister’s participation in the NAM Ministerial Meeting will underline India’s continued active and constructive engagement within the movement with a view to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation among its member states.

NAM plays a crucial role in the preservation of world peace. The 1st ever summit of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries was convened by the leaders of India, Indonesia, Egypt, Syria and Yugoslavia. The movement played a fundamental role in extending support to nations which were struggling for their independence and provided unity in their times of need.