Sachin Malik: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is on a two-day Strategic visit to two key European nations—Bulgaria and Finland. During the first leg of his tour, he arrived in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, Where he held high-level bilateral meetings with the country top leadership.
Following his meetings with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and his Bulgarian counterpart Velislava Petrova-Chamova, Dr. Jaishankar addressed a Joint Press conference. Referring to the ongoing Global conflicts and instability, he said the world is Passing through an extremely fragile and uncertain Phase.
Reiterating India firm Position, he Stated, “This is not an era of war.” He emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable solutions to Global and regional Conflicts.
Sending a Strong message against terrorism, Dr. Jaishankar said the entire world must adopt a Policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, adding that India and Bulgaria share identical views on this Issue.
After meeting Prime Minister Radev, Dr. Jaishankar wrote on social media Platform X that the discussions focused on the Strong bilateral relationship between India and Bulgaria, the new opportunities emerging from the Strengthening India–European Union Strategic Partnership and the need for Closer cooperation in an increasingly uncertain Global environment. The two sides also explored ways to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, Pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, defence, mobility, tourism and the creative entertainment industry, besides exchanging views on regional and Global issues of mutual Interest.
Following his meeting with Foreign Minister Petrova-Chamova, Dr. Jaishankar Posted on X that both sides reviewed every aspect of India-Bulgaria relations and explored new avenues of cooperation. The discussions Particularly focused on the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, Strengthening the Strategic and defence Partnership and expanding the comprehensive mobility framework. Talks also covered enhancing economic engagement and cooperation in science and technology, artificial intelligence, Pharmaceuticals, defence, connectivity, mobility, education, culture and People-to-People exchanges, along with increasing high-level Political Engagements.
During his Stay in Sofia, Dr. Jaishankar also visited the National Historical Museum, appreciating Bulgaria rich cultural Heritage.
In the second leg of his European tour, the External Affairs Minister arrived in Finland, where he is Scheduled to meet the Finnish President and his Finnish counterpart, besides Participating in the 14th Kultaranta Talks. This Year theme is “A Changing World: Global, Regional and Local Perspectives.” Discussions in Finland are expected to focus on digital Governance, Green energy and diversification of Global supply Chains, among other key Issues.
