Minister of State for External Affairs Prabitra Margeherita visited the Federated States Of Micronesia along with the Philippines and the Pacific Island Countries Of Palau in a visit which lasted from 14 to 21st January 2025, this visit shows India’s commitment to improve and strengthen relations with the mentioned countries.
Margeherita began his visit on 14 January in the Philippines, this visit was commenced by a floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, this tribute was followed up by a meeting with the secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and also with a discussion with the President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., the discussions covered a wide variety of topics to review the new avenues for cooperation and find ways to strengthen, expand and deepen bilateral relations, Margeherita also met with members of the Indian diaspora in Manila, this meeting highlights the ongoing celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines.
After being invited by the Palau Government Margherita also attended the inauguration ceremony of President Surangel Whipps Jr. for his second term and also Raynold Oilouch as his new Vice President on 16th January. During his visit, he called on the President and formally delivered 12 water tanks to the Governor of Peleliu Island to aid in rainwater harvesting, a gesture of India's commitment to sustainable development in the Pacific, this was the ever visit of the Minister of State for External Affairs to Palau, In his talks with President Whipps they also discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.
During the Minister’s visit to Palau, Margherita also met with other leaders including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, the Foreign Minister of Japan, Takeshi Iwaya, and others.
In the Federated States Of Micronesia, Margherita also met with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Lorin S. Robert, and President Wesley W. Simina, in the presence of his Vice President Aren B. Palik and other members of Cabinet This was the first ever ministerial visit from India to the FSM, where the leaders discussed on enhancing bilateral relations and improving development cooperation.
Margherita’s visit also included a short stopover in the United States Territory of Guam, where he met and engaged with the representatives of the Indian community and also the Governor of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero.
The visit was a great success, which helped in the contribution to the enhancement of India's relations with these countries and strongly expressed India's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region in alignment with its Act East Policy.
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