Moscow: Jaishankar meets Kyrgyz, Tajik counterparts; discusses strengthening bilateral ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held meetings with his Kyrgyz and Tajik counterparts here on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, and discussed various issues of mutual interests and ways to boost bilateral relations.

In a tweet, Jaishankar said he had a "fruitful meeting" with his Kyrgyz counterpart Chingiz Aidarbekov and thanked him for his efforts in facilitating the return of Indian nationals. "A fruitful meeting with FM Chingiz Aidarbekov of Kyrgyz Republic on SCO sidelines. Thanked him for the support in facilitating the return of Indian nationals. Discussed issues of bilateral and regional interest. Agreed to further enhance our Strategic Partnership in all spheres," he said.

Recently, hundreds of Indian students and businessmen were repatriated from Kyrgyzstan under the Government of India's Vande Bharat Mission, an initiative aimed at bringing back Indian nationals amid COVID-19 induced travel restrictions.

In a separate tweet, Jaishankar said he had a "warm meeting" with his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin and expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral and regional cooperation.

"A warm meeting with Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Pleased with our growing bilateral and regional cooperation. Highly value this strategic partnership," the External Affairs Minister said.