Modi discusses key issues with NZ, Armenian, Belgian counterparts
   Date :27-Sep-2019

 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (left to right) in New York on Wednesday. (ANI)
 
By Yoshita Singh :
 
NEW YORK, PRIME Minister Narendra Modi has held key bilateral discussions with several world leaders, including with his counterparts from New Zealand, Armenia and Belgiam on issues ranging from cooperation in terrorism, defence, support for India’s candidature for a permanent UN Security Council seat and cyber security. Modi met Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the High Level Segment of 74th United Nations General Assembly here on Wednesday. Modi thanked Pashinyan for Armenia’s consistent support for India’s candidature for the permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council.
 
“Held extensive deliberations with PM Nikol Pashinyan. We talked about expanding India-Armenia cooperation in aspects relating to technology, pharmaceuticals and agro-based industries. PM Pashinyan also referred to the popularity of Indian movies, music and Yoga in Armenia,” Modi tweeted. Both sides reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and recalled the historical linkages going back to centuries between India and Armenia, according to an official release. The Prime Minister also sought Armenia’s support for concluding an expeditious trading arrangement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EaEU) of which Armenia is a member. India and the EaEu are set to start negotiations in this regard soon. Modi offered to strengthen India’s development partnership with Armenia as per interest and needs of Armenia. On his part, Pashinyan briefed Modi on the new initiatives of openness of his Government and in that context invited Indian investments in Armenia.
 
Referring to popularity of Indian culture, films, music and Yoga, Pashinyan called for a greater cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. About 3000 Indian students study in Armenia. Pashinyan invited Modi to visit Armenia and the Indian leader accepted the invitation. In the bilateral meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, both sides reviewed the State of bilateral relations and discussed steps to intensify political, economic, defence, security and people-to-people relations. Modi thanked Ardern for accepting his invitation to participate in the event “Relevance of Gandhi in the contemporary Times” held on the sidelines of UNGA during which the Gandhi Solar park was inaugurated.
 
The New Zealand Prime Minister informed Modi about their new strategic paper ‘India 2022- Investing in the relationship’, which is a continuation of the NZ Inc. India Strategy 2011. Ardern noted that the Indian diaspora and students in New Zealand were an important bridge between the two nations and contribute to bonds of friendship between the two countries. Modi also meets his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel. “We had an excellent meeting, PM Charles Michel. We were able to exchange views on improving India’s ties with Belgium and the EU. Thank you for the kind words on Mahatma Gandhi, who is a source of inspiration for millions across the world,” Modi said in a tweet.
 
“Both leaders discussed ways to boost strategic ties and deepen cooperation in various areas including improving trade and connectivity,” the PMO said in a tweet. Modi also met President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid both leaders had a detailed discussion on a broad spectrum of bilateral relations. They discussed steps to deepen bilateral cooperation in the domain of e-Governance, Cyber security and Innovation. “My interaction with President Kersti Kaljulaid was fruitful. Estonia is a valued friend, with whom India looks forward to expanding cooperation especially in IT and commerce,” Modi tweeted. The Prime Minister thanked Estonia for its support to India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent seat for 2021-2022. The meeting provided an opportunity to brief Estonia and to seek their views on enhanced opportunities for bilateral cooperation, thus further strengthening our existing friendly ties, the official release said.