Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský to visit India next week

The Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavský, is all set to embark on an official visit to India from February 26 to March 1, 2023.

He will be accompanied by Members of the Parliament, Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation and a high-level official and business delegation, the Ministry of External Affairs said as it announced the visit on Thursday.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Lipavský is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The two leaders are expected to discuss the entire range of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Lipavský will also attend the inaugural session of the India-EU Business and Sustainability Conclave organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on 28 February. Following this, he will travel to Mumbai on the same day and depart on March 1, the MEA said.

His visit follows EAM S Jaishankar's visit to the Czech Republic in June 2022, where the two leaders held delegation-level talks. The two ministers also met recently in Vienna during the External Affairs Minister's visit to Austria in January 2023.

India and the Czech Republic have historically enjoyed warm and friendly relations, which have been strengthened in the last several years through high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors.

Foreign Minister Lipavský's visit is expected to provide further momentum to India's bilateral relations with the Czech Republic, the MEA said.

The visit holds significance as it comes at a time when India is seeking to enhance its engagement with the European Union and its member states, including the Czech Republic.