External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday in Johannesburg, where they discussed bilateral cooperation and the Ukraine conflict. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM).
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia this evening in Johannesburg. Reviewed the continued progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation. Discussed recent developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict, including his Riyadh meeting. Agreed to remain in touch.”
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry posted on X, “Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey #Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. @DrSJaishankar hold talks on the sidelines of the #G20 Ministerial.”
Meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
Jaishankar also met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings. He reaffirmed India’s support for South Africa’s G20 priorities during its presidency.
“Honored to call on President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa on the sidelines of the G20 FMM in Johannesburg. Conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi. Assured India’s support for South Africa’s G20 priorities,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025, under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The theme guides the priorities of both Sherpa and Finance Tracks.
Meetings with Singapore and Brazil Foreign Ministers
Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with his Singaporean and Brazilian counterparts. During his meeting with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the two leaders discussed global developments and bilateral relations.
“Always a good conversation with FM @VivianBala of Singapore, this time in Johannesburg on the sidelines of G20 FMM. Discussed the state of the world and our work in furthering bilateral ties,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to South Africa at the invitation of Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar’s participation aims to strengthen India’s engagement with G20 countries and amplify the voice of the Global South in the forum.
The MEA said, “EAM’s participation in the G20 FMM will strengthen India’s engagement with G20 countries and bolster the voice of the Global South in this important forum. EAM is expected to hold a few bilateral meetings in the margins of the FMM.”
(Inputs from ANI)
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