Top UN Leaders Praise India's Global Role Contributions
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with key United Nations leaders, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the General Assembly Philemon Yang, who commended India's influential role on the global stage.
During their meeting, Guterres expressed gratitude for India's collaboration with the UN, as noted by his Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. The trio discussed various pressing issues, including the Summit of the Future and its implementation, climate change, advancements in Artificial Intelligence, and current geopolitical developments. This Summit recently adopted the Pact for the Future, which sets a strategic direction for the UN in addressing looming global crises.
Yang acknowledged India’s significant contributions to advancing the interests of the Global South. He mentioned their discussions regarding the priorities for the ongoing 79th session of the General Assembly (UNGA79) and building upon the Summit's outcomes.
EAM Jaishankar affirmed India's commitment to supporting Yang's vision of "Unity in Diversity, Peace, Human Sustainability, and Dignity for everyone everywhere", through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
In addition to these high-level discussions, EAM Jaishankar met with several other leaders on the sidelines of the General Assembly’s high-level meeting. He noted a productive conversation with Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Tim Kabba, praising Sierra Leone's leadership in promoting reformed multilateralism. As the President of the Security Council, Sierra Leone has highlighted the need for reform in recent discussions.
Jaishankar also spoke with Belarus Foreign Minister Makshim Ryzhenkov about potential collaborations in health, education, technology, and enhancing economic ties. He and Romania's Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu reviewed their growing bilateral engagements in tourism, defense, and mobility, while also exchanging views on the situation in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Jaishankar shared that he had a 'good first meeting' with Maria Stenergard, discussing the deepening of bilateral relationships in sustainable development, investment, and the mobility of skilled workers, alongside perspectives on Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region.
Finally, he met with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi, focusing their discussions on the ongoing situation in West Asia, and engaged with other Foreign Ministers, including Badr Abdelatty of Egypt, Seyed Abbas Araghchi of Iran, Albert Shingiro of Burundi, and Kamina J Smith of Jamaica.
