New Delhi:External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar discussed the bilateral relations with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud and at Hyderabad house in New Delhi on Sunday.
This is the first ministerial visit from Saudi Arabia to India since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the meeting, both sides discussed further steps to strengthen their partnership in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, culture, consular issues, health care and human resources, MEA said.
"A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH Faisal bin Farhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific", Jaishankar said in a tweet.
In wide-ranging talks with the visiting Saudi leader, Jaishankar urged the early resumption of direct flights to Saudi Arabia and assured him to work closely on all Covid-related challenges.
The two Ministers also reviewed the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Council Agreement signed between the two sides during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in October 2019. They expressed satisfaction at the meetings held under the Agreement and progress achieved, MEA added.
The two ministers also exchanged views on the developments in Afghanistan. Jaishankar further appreciated Saudi Arabia for its support to India during the Covid-19 pandemic and also applauded the Gulf country for its successful Presidency of G-20 last year despite the pandemic.
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