The Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, actively participated in diplomatic discussions held on the sidelines of the third South Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

Through a series of social media posts, Muraleedharan provided glimpses into his discussions and engagements with prominent representatives from Somalia, Oman, and Botswana.

The minister held a "good meeting" with the Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Salah Ahmed Jana. Emphasizing Jana's affinity for Hindi and India, Muraleedharan engaged in discussions covering a range of topics aimed at enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

“Had a good meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia H.E. Salah Ahmed Jana during the sidelines of third South Summit in Kampala, Uganda. Impressed by his affinity for Hindi and India. Explored a range of matters for further cementing our bilateral ties,” said Muraleedharan in a post on X.

In another diplomatic encounter, Muraleedharan had a meeting with Khalifa Alharthy, the Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry of Oman. “Happy to have met HE @KhalifaAlharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Foreign Ministry of Oman on the sidelines of South Summit in Kampala, Uganda,” the MoS MEA also posted on X.

Additionally, Muraleedharan held talks with Lemogang Kwape, the Foreign Minister of Botswana, at the South Summit in Kampala. The conversation focused on the favorable influence of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships.

“Pleasure to connect with Botswana FM Dr Lemogang Kwape on sidelines of South Summit in Kampala. Reassuring to hear about positive impact of ITEC & ICCR scholarships. Appreciate his ideas for elevating bilateral partnership in agriculture, food processing, health & education,” said Muraleedharan in another post on X.

In addition to these engagements, Muraleedharan took part in the opening session of the Third South Summit. The theme, "Leaving No One Behind," echoed India's ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the World is One Family.

“Glad to attend the inaugural session of Third South Summit at Kampala, Uganda. The theme of the Summit, “Leaving No One Behind” resonates well with India’s ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- the World is One Family,” Muraleedharan posted on X.

Expressing his delight at being in Kampala for the summit, Muraleedharan, said he looked forward to interacting with the Indian community.

“Delighted to be in Kampala, Uganda, set to represent India at the third South Summit. Look forward to interacting with Indian community as well,” posted Muraleedharan on X.

Muraleedharan is undertaking an official visit to the Ugandan capital, Kampala, from January 20-22, as part of his participation in the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China (G-77), as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs.

During his visit, the minister will also deliver India’s national statement and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts, especially from the G-77 member states.

According to information available on the official website of the Third South Summit, the primary objectives of the Summit include enhancing South-South cooperation, with a focus on areas such as trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and the digital economy.

In Kampala, the 134 Member States will reiterate the message of solidarity, unity, and complementarity of the South and speak with a unified voice to achieve their common goals and objectives.

Image source: X