EAM Jaishankar participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in South Africa

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has concluded productive visits to South Africa and Namibia aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation.

The visits (from June 1 to 6, 2023) provided an opportunity for high-level interactions both in South Africa and Namibia, and further cemented the strong bonds of friendship that India enjoys with these countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday (June 6, 2023).

While in Cape Town, South Africa, from June 1 to 3, EAM Jaishankar participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on June 1 and 2, respectively.

During both meetings, he effectively communicated India's viewpoints on significant national and international issues, including economic growth and the operation of multilateral organizations. The meetings resulted in the issuance of a Joint BRICS Foreign Ministers Statement on June 1.

Apart from this, EAM Jaishankar also held separate discussions with the foreign ministers of other BRICS nations as well as with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor. Additionally, he had the privilege of calling on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside fellow BRICS ministers.

Speaking to the Indian community in Cape Town, EAM Jaishankar underlined the 30-year history of diplomatic ties between India and South Africa, the 15-year journey of BRICS, and the significant accomplishments of the Indian government in the past nine years.

Subsequently, from June 4 to 6, he embarked on a historic visit to Namibia, becoming the first Indian External Affairs Minister to do so. The purpose of the trip was to deepen connections and look into potential areas of collaboration with Namibia.

During his visit, EAM Jaishankar met with President of Namibia Hage Geingob, and co-chaired the Joint Commission Meeting's opening session with Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, These meetings allowed for productive discussions about strengthening the India-Namibia bilateral partnership.

Furthermore, EAM Jaishankar also addressed the Indian diamond business community and interacted with the Indian diaspora in Namibia, emphasizing the importance of their efforts. He officially opened the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT) in Windhoek in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Higher Education.

As per the official press release from the Ministry of External Affairs, the tour allowed for high-level engagements in both South Africa and Namibia, further solidifying India's close friendships with both of these nations.