Maldivian Counterpart Meets EAM Jaishankar, Discusses Withdrawal Of Indian Military Personnel

Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar exchanged views on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel on Thursday.

Both ministers held discussions on the margins of the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

They further held discussions to expedite the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives and cooperation between SAARC and NAM.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer expressed delight to meet EAM Jaishankar in Kampala.

Moreover, he stressed that he is committed to further strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

"It was a pleasure to meet with the External Affairs Minister of #India @DrSJaishankar in the margins of #NAMSummitUg2024. We exchanged views on the ongoing high-level discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, as well as expediting the completion of ongoing development projects in the #Maldives, and cooperation within SAARC and NAM. We are committed to further strengthening and expanding our cooperation," Zameer posted on X.

Earlier on Thursday, EAM Jaishankar arrived in Kampala to lead the Indian delegation at the two-day 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) starting on 19 January.

The summit will be preceded by deliberations at the ministerial and senior official levels.

Preceding the NAM Summit, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh will represent India at the NAM Foreign Minister's meeting.

The 19th NAM Summit under Uganda's leadership is being held under the theme 'Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence' and brings together more than 120 developing countries on a platform of crucial historic significance.

India wholeheartedly supports Uganda's theme for NAM and looks forward to engaging with NAM countries. As one of the leading and founding members of NAM, India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement, the MEA release said.

On the sidelines of the NAM Summit, the EAM is expected to meet with the Ugandan leadership and counterparts from NAM member states. (ANI)