Both sides also discussed furthering relations in sectors such as trade and investments, consular, migration, skill development, health and pharma sector and cultural linkages….reports Asian Lite News
India and Malta reviewed bilateral engagements between the two countries and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest during the 3rd round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
“The FOC provided an opportunity for reviewing bilateral engagements and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including developments in our respective neighbourhoods, EU, Ukraine conflict, G20 outcomes under India’s Presidency, cooperation in multilateral fora, and UNSC reforms,” said the MEA in its statement.
Both sides also discussed furthering relations in sectors such as trade and investments, consular, migration, skill development, health and pharma sector and cultural linkages.
The FOC meeting was co-chaired by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs and Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs & Trade, Malta.
Both sides agreed to hold the next FOC in Malta on a mutually convenient date.
India and Malta share warm relations and regular interactions have led to further strengthening of mutual understanding between them.
On August 21, MoS for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi reached Malta in the course of her three European countries’ visit. During her three-day (August 21-23) visit to the city-state, she called on President Dr George Vella and met Foreign Minister Dr Ian Brog, Minister of Tourism Clayton Bartolo and Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Dr Owen Bonnici.
Both sides had detailed discussions on bilateral relations, especially trade & investment, maritime cooperation, solar energy, films, tourism, and culture, the MEA said.
The Maltese side appreciated the contribution of the 112 Indian companies present in Malta, mainly in the pharmaceuticals and ICT sectors.
Health and fintech sectors were identified as areas for future cooperation. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA maintained.
MoS Meenakshi Lekhi also had an interaction with the Director and Board Members of Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies which has an MoU with Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the diplomatic institutes of the two countries.
At the invitation of the Foreign Minister, MoS Lekhi had participated in the Dingli Festival, as well as a community event where she interacted with the members of the Indian Diaspora. She also participated in a Yoga event and planted a tree sapling in the Buskett Woodlands in Malta, the MEA added.