External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Guyana (April 21-23), Panama (April 24-25), Colombia (April 25-27) and Dominican Republic (April 27-29). This was his first visit to these countries as EAM.
Guyana
In Guyana, EAM was called on the leadership and interacting with several Ministers. He was co-chairing the Joint Commission Meeting with his counterpart, H.E. Mr. Hugh Hilton Todd that entailed discussions on the whole gamut of issues between the two countries. EAM’s visit to Guyana was an opportunity for a meeting of Foreign Ministers in the India-COFCOR (Council on Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR); a group of 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM)) format and hold bilateral meetings with participating Ministers.
Panama
In Panama, EAM was called on top leadership and hosted by Foreign Minister H.E. Ms. Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. During this visit, the India-SICA Foreign Ministerial Meeting was also convened where he met representatives of the 8-country Central American Integration System (SICA).
Colombia
EAM’s Colombia visit was a first Foreign Ministerial level visit to the country. He Met with the several top representatives of the Government, business and civil society. Foreign Minister of Colombia H.E. Mr. Alvaro Leyva Duran and EAM reviewed the bilateral ties.
Dominican Republic
The visit to Dominican Republic is the highest level visit from India since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1999. EAM’s visit takes place after the establishment of our resident Embassy in Santo Domingo in 2022. Apart from called on the country’s political leadership, EAM wias held discussions with Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez. The two leaders was also formally inaugurated the Indian resident mission. EAM was also delivered a talk at the Dominican Republic Foreign Ministry.
A business delegation from India, led by CII joined EAM at business events that are planned during the course of the visit. These meetings underline the growing interest on both sides for stronger trade ties. EAM was also met with the members of the Indian community in all four countries.
EAM’s visit to these four countries; his bilateral engagements as well as interactions with counterparts of important regional groups: CARICOM and SICA, adds to the momentum of the India-LAC engagements. It was provided an opportunity to continue high level contacts with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and explore new areas of cooperation in a whole host of areas; particularly in the post pandemic scenario.
