The visits demonstrate how highly India regards its bilateral ties with these nations
Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi review the entire range of bilateral ties during her visit to Guatemala from January 15-17 and to El Salvador from January 17-19.

While in Guatemala, MoS Lekhi met with Guillermo Castillo Reyes, the acting President of Guatemala; Mario Bucaro, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala; Felipe Aguilar, the Minister of Culture of Guatemala; Francisco José Coma Martn; and Alberto Pimentel Mata, the Minister of Health of Guatemala.

While meeting with acting President Guillermo Castillo Reyes, MoS Lekhi discussed collaboration in the areas of science and technology, women's empowerment, and capacity building in Guatemala's interior.

Later, while meeting with Foreign Minister Mario Bucaro, both sides resolved to convene the next Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on a mutually suitable date after reviewing the whole bilateral relationship.

In addition, MoS Lekhi presented a symbolic key to Bucaro on Indian government's contribution of 10 pickup trucks to the Guatemalan government. Both ministers also unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi on the grounds of the Foreign Ministry to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic ties.

Later, MoS Lekhi and Culture Minister Felipe Aguilar spoke on expanding cross-cultural ties and the visit to India by the Guatemalan cultural group Paabank. Aguilar thanked the Indian government for providing the pickup trucks to the Ministry of Culture. The International Solar Alliance, solar energy, and technical mining cooperation were among the topics of discussion between both ministers.

Furthermore, MoS Lekhi addressed expanding bilateral healthcare collaboration, particularly in relation to holistic healthcare and Ayurveda, as well as India's provision of critical medications, during the meeting with Minister of Health Alberto Pimentel Mata.

On January 15, MoS Meenkashi Lekhi launched the Technopark warehouse for Indian businesses, took part in the Antigua Yoga Festival, and hosted an Indian Film Festival. On January 16, MOS LEKHI took part in a business dinner before giving a speech at Guatemala City's University del Valle (UVG) on "50 Years of India-Guatemala Relations."

In the eastern Guatemalan city of Livingstone, MoS Lekhi officially dedicated the Mahatma Gandhi sculpture. On January 17, she traveled to Tikal, Peten, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and took part in a tree-planting campaign there. During her tour to Guatemala, she also spoke with people who were part of the indigenous population.

After visiting Guatemala, MoS Lekhi visited El Salvador. During her visit, she met with J. Miguel Kattan, Secretary of Commerce and Investment; Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mariemm Pleitez, Minister of Culture; and Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador.

During the meeting with President Bukele, MoS Lekhi addressed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, including India's development assistance with El Salvador, expanding bilateral economic links, and cooperation at the global level, including the UN. She also asked El Salvador to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

While meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Hill, she examined all aspects of their bilateral ties and determined that the next Foreign Office Consultations will take place shortly in New Delhi on a mutually suitable date.

Minister Hill praised India for providing the countries with the COVID vaccine and necessary medications in the difficult days of the pandemic.

Later, MoS Lekhi discussed ways to enhance commercial links between the two nations, and chances for Indian businesses to invest in El Salvador with Secretary Kattan.

Enhancing commercial connections and prospects for Indian businesses to invest in El Salvador were topics that Secretary Kattan and MoS Lekhi addressed.

MoS Lekhi talked about fostering cross-cultural ties during the meeting with Minister Pleitez. Both also launched the Indian Film Festival at the University to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as India marks its 75th year of independence.

MoS Lekhi gave a speech at Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University in San Salvador on "75 Years of India's Growth Story." She later took part in a yoga event and a tree-planting effort at the capital city's renowned Cuscatlán Park. During her tour of El Salvador, she spoke with both business executives and members of the Indian community.

As per the official press release from the Ministry of External Affairs, MoS Meenkashi Lekhi's trip to Guatemala and El Salvador demonstrates how highly India regards its bilateral ties with these nations. The visit is anticipated to give the two countries' relationship more energy and strengthen people-to-people ties.