Jaishankar reaffirms India's commitment to stand by Sri Lanka during their economic recovery

New Delhi, Aug 5: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday (Aug 4) held his first meeting with newly-appointed Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and reaffirmed India's commitment as a dependable friend and reliable partner to the economic recovery of the island nation.

 

 

 

 

Jaishankar had been in Phnom Penh to attend the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, an annual event that takes stock of the ASEAN-India partnership. Jaishankar tweeted, "A warm first meeting with FM Ali Sabry of Sri Lanka. Congratulated him on his new responsibility. Reaffirmed India's commitment, as a dependable friend and reliable partner, to the economic recovery and well-being of Sri Lanka. Neighbourhood First."

 

 

 

 

 

Jaishankar has held several bilateral meetings on the margins of the ASEAN event. He had met his counterparts from Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore. He said, "ASEAN-India Meetings provide opportunities to catch up with valued colleagues and friends. Continued conversations with FM Retno Marsudi of Indonesia, FM Dato Haji Erywan of Brunei and FM @VivianBala of Singapore."

 

Besides, in a statement issued by the US State Department, Blinken said that it is an opportunity for both the leaders to compare notes on areas of mutual interest including the free and open Indo-Pacific and Sri Lanka crisis. Blinken said in the statement, "Taking part in the ASEAN meetings is the opportunity for us to get together and compare notes with our closest partners, starting with my longtime friend, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar."