Framing new architecture of global cooperation: V Murleedharan addresses fifth Astana Club Meeting

Nur-sultan, November 13: Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan was on a two-day visit to Kazakhstan to attend the fifth anniversary meeting of the Astana club held on November 11 and 12, in Nur-sultan. The topic for this year’s discussion was 'Greater Eurasia: On the way to new architecture of global cooperation'. 

 

Muraleedharan addressed the open session titled ‘Central Asia at the intersection of global interests: pros and cons of being the heartland’. In his intervention, he outlined the contours of India-Central Asia partnership, the importance of the new mechanism of the Annual India -Central Asia Foreign Ministers Dialogue launched in January this year and the importance of increasing connectivity with Central Asia through the Chabahar Port of Iran and through the International North South Transport Corridor.

 

On the sidelines of Astana club meeting, the Minister called on the Chairman of the Mazhilis (Lower House) of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Nurlan Nigmatulin. He also had bilateral meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Mukhtar Tleuberdi and with the First Vice-Minister of Energy Makhambet Dosmukhambetov.

Astana Club meetings is an event is organized by the Institute of World Economy and Politics and the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy. The mission of the Astana Club is to bring together leading experts, political leaders and diplomats of Eurasia to form a global agenda considering Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities. Some of the Astana Club meetings are held in accordance with the Chatham house rules, meaning their closed nature and allowing for a heated and open discussion of the most urgent issues in Eurasia and in the world. 

India’s relations with Kazakhstan are built on a strong foundation of centuries old historical and cultural ties. The visit of Hon’ble MOS contributed strengthening of this partnership.