New Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday held a meeting with visiting First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Emine Dzhaparova, during which they discussed bilateral and global issues of mutual interest. Kyiv was also assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance.
In a tweet, MoS Lekhi also reiterated PM Modi’s call to Russia and Ukraine for cessation of hostilities, saying that this is not the era for war.
“Not a time for War- PM @narendramodi
“Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM @EmineDzheppar. Exchanged views on bilateral & global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties & women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance.”
The Ukrainian Minister in a tweet said she briefed MoS Lekhi on “Russia’s unprovoked aggression”, and also on deepening the bilateral cooperation.
“Had a fruitful meeting with @M_Lekhi. Briefed Minister on #Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russia unprovoked aggression. Discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, in particular culture. Ukrainian bookshelves and audio guides under patronage of @ZelenskaUA will be available soon in India.”
On Monday, she held a meeting with Secretary West in the MEA Sanjay Verma, during which she invited India to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula and Grain from Ukraine initiative.
“Pleased to have a meeting with Secretary (West) MFA @SanjayVermalFS in New Delhi. Updated on #Ukraine’s efforts to fight #Russian unprovoked aggression. Invited India to join President Zelenskyy’s #PeaceFormula & #GrainFromUkraine initiative. Important to have #India on board.”
The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Emine Dzhaparova is paying an official visit to India from April 9-12, in the first such visit since the Ukraine conflict began.
Dzhaparova will also meet Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri.
India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine.
Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence.
The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests, a statement said.
India has consistently called for an end to the hostilities and urged both Russia and Ukraine to hold dialogue, and end the conflict through diplomacy.
