External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held “warm and productive” talks with his New Zealand counterpart Nanaia Mahuta on Thursday, during which the two leaders exchanged views on issues of international concern such as the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict. It is Mr Jaishankar’s first visit to New Zealand as Minister of External Affairs. “Warm and productive talks with New Zealand Foreign Minister @NanaiaMahuta this afternoon. Two societies that respect tradition and culture are working towards a more modern relationship,” Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting.
He appreciated the exchange of views on (issues of) international concern such as the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine conflicts. Appreciate our cooperation in multilateral forums, including the UN and the Commonwealth,” he said. India, the US and several other world powers have spoken of the need to ensure a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s rising military maneuvers in the resource-rich region.
China claims almost all of the disputed South China Sea, although Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. China also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea.India has repeatedly emphasized the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and the need to resolve the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Mr Jaishankar also addressed the issue of Indian students affected by the COVID measures in New Zealand and urged for expedited processing of visas for those wishing to study in New Zealand now. India is the second largest source of international students in New Zealand studying for higher education in various fields such as information technology, hospitality, science, engineering and architecture.
During his meeting with Mahuta, he also met Aupito’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs William Si. Had the pleasure of meeting Deputy Minister of External Affairs @AupitoWSio_MP during my talks with FM @NanaiaMahuta I benefited from his insights on the Pacific Islands,” Mr Jaishankar tweeted. On Wednesday, Mr. Jaishankar met India’s Chief Minister Priyanka Radhakrishnan and also had an interactive session with the country’s dignitaries.
Nice to meet Minister @priyancanzlp in Auckland today. Credit her for an interactive session with New Zealand dignitaries. He is committed to supporting our relationship,” he wrote on Twitter. Ms Radhakrishnan is New Zealand’s Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities and Youth. She is the first person of Indian origin to become a minister in New Zealand. There are approximately 2,50,000 people of Indian origin and NRIs living in New Zealand, the vast majority of whom have made the country their permanent home.
During the visit, Jaishankar will join Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday to congratulate members of the Indian community. for their outstanding achievements and contributions.”Both leaders will release India@75 postage stamps to commemorate and showcase the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in New Zealand,” the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
Mr. Jaishankar will also launch the book ‘Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery’. A book showcasing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special bond with the Sikh community ‘Heartfelt – The Legacy of Faith’ will also be released on the occasion. He will also interact with Members of Parliament, members of the business community as well as Indian expatriates, including students. In Wellington, Mr. Jaishankar inaugurates the newly constructed building of the High Commission of India. Mr. Jaishankar is on a week-long visit to New Zealand and Australia. In Australia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Canberra and Sydney.
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