Manila [Philippines], July 22 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met his Australian counterpart Senator Penny Wong and Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro throughout his go to to Manila, holding discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation forward of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM).
Sharing particulars of his assembly with Wong, Jaishankar stated in a submit on X, ‘Great to meet up with FM Senator Penny Wong of Australia. Followed up on the outcomes of PM Narendra Modi’s latest go to to Australia. Look ahead to interacting along with her on the QUAD FMM later right now.’
The External Affairs Minister additionally held talks with Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma Theresa P Lazaro, specializing in additional increasing the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership.
‘A pleasure to fulfill FM Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro of Philippines right now in Manila. A superb dialogue on additional strengthening our Strategic Partnership, specializing in commerce & funding, schooling, defence & safety, maritime cooperation, capability constructing, and growth cooperation. Also mentioned latest developments within the Indo-Pacific,’ Jaishankar posted on X.
Jaishankar is at present in Manila for a two-day go to to take part in Foreign Minister-level conferences beneath the ASEAN framework, together with the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) conferences.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Jaishankar can even take part within the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related engagements, together with counterparts from Australia, Japan and the United States.
‘On the margins of the ASEAN-related conferences, External Affairs Minister can be taking part in a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting together with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the United States. He can also be anticipated to carry bilateral conferences together with his counterparts from taking part nations,’ the MEA stated.
Earlier, Jaishankar co-chaired the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India together with Philippines Foreign Secretary Lazaro in Manila.
Highlighting the significance of India-ASEAN ties, Jaishankar stated India appreciated the Philippines’ function as nation coordinator for strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He famous that the theme of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship for 2026, ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’, displays shared values based mostly on mutual belief and cooperation for peace, stability and growth within the Indo-Pacific area.
During the assembly, Jaishankar highlighted challenges dealing with the worldwide neighborhood, together with disruptions to produce chains, vitality safety, meals safety, well being safety and maritime cooperation.
He harassed that deeper cooperation amongst nations was mandatory to handle world uncertainties and allow diversification and resilience.
The External Affairs Minister additionally underlined that 2026 has been designated because the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’, calling it a chance to work in the direction of a extra secure and safe maritime surroundings.
The MEA stated Jaishankar’s go to underscores India’s deepening engagement with ASEAN beneath the Act East Policy and reaffirms New Delhi’s dedication to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Philippines assumed the ASEAN Chairship for 2026 beneath the theme ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’, with focus areas together with regional peace and safety, financial integration, digital transformation, inclusive development and other people empowerment. (ANI)