External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to attend the first-ever India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Upon arrival, Jaishankar was warmly welcomed by Saudi Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, Abdulmajeed Al Smari. Expressing gratitude, Jaishankar posted on X, “Arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to take part in the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Thank Abdulmajeed Al Smari for the warm reception.”
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During his two-day visit (September 8-9), Jaishankar will hold bilateral talks with foreign ministers from GCC member states. The meeting aims to strengthen ties between India and the GCC, focusing on political, trade, investment, energy, and cultural cooperation. The region is a key trading partner for India and is home to 8.9 million Indian expatriates.
According to the External Affairs Ministry, the meeting will provide an opportunity to enhance institutional cooperation between India and the GCC in various sectors.
Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Jaishankar will head to Berlin for a two-day visit starting September 10. This will mark his third bilateral visit to Germany. Both countries share a strong strategic partnership, and Germany remains one of India’s major trading partners and top foreign investors.
On September 12, Jaishankar will travel to Geneva for an official visit. Geneva is home to many UN bodies and international organizations, further expanding his diplomatic engagements.