Nairobi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, engaged in discussions with Kenya's Environment Minister, Deborah Mlongo Barasa, during the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held on Friday. Their talks centered on enhancing bilateral collaboration in areas such as conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and bolstering environmental governance.

Present at the meeting were India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika, along with other officials.

In a post shared on X, Singh highlighted, "It was a pleasure to meet with Kenya’s Environment Minister H.E. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa during my time in Nairobi for UNEA-7. We discussed potential pathways to strengthen India-Kenya cooperation in conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and enhancing environmental governance. Together, we are dedicated to a greener and more resilient future."

On Thursday, Singh presented India’s National Statement during the High-Level Segment of UNEA-7, asserting that sustainable growth and environment-first policies are vital for the future of our planet. He reiterated India’s commitment to solutions that harmonize ecology and economy for both present and future generations.

"I delivered India’s National Statement at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). I underscored the necessity of sustainable growth and environment-first policies for securing our planet's future. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, India has consistently advocated for a sustainable lifestyle, climate-resilient development, and international cooperation in environmental protection. India remains steadfast in driving solutions that harmonize ecology with economy for the well-being of current and future generations," posted MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh on X.

The UNEA-7 session is taking place at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 8-12, under the theme 'Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet'. This session follows the seventh meeting of the Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR-7) from December 1-5.

During his visit, Singh participated in celebrations at the Sri Ram Temple, commemorating UNESCO’s recognition of Diwali as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. He remarked that this achievement showcases the global recognition of India's enduring traditions and the universal ideals of peace and harmony.

"I felt blessed to attend the celebrations at the historic Sri Ram Temple marking UNESCO’s acknowledgment of Diwali as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The temple, constructed in 1919 in Kenya, symbolizes India's cultural pride and the shared historical bonds between our nations. This milestone reflects the worldwide appreciation of India’s timeless traditions and the universal message of peace and harmony," shared the minister on X.

On December 10, MoS Singh held talks with Norway's Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, discussing strategies to further enhance cooperation in climate action, marine littering, and sustainable ocean management.

In a post on X, Singh expressed, "I was pleased to meet H.E. Mr. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway. We deliberated on strategies to deepen our bilateral cooperation in climate action, marine littering, and sustainable ocean management. India is eager to strengthen this partnership for a cleaner, greener, and resilient future."

Singh also met with John Ololtuaa, Kenya's Principal Secretary of the State Department of Tourism, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. They reviewed the growing collaboration in wildlife conservation, including the MoU on wildlife management signed earlier this year, and explored new opportunities to enhance India-Kenya cooperation in sustainable wildlife protection.

"I look forward to the swift signing of the framework agreement of the International Big Cat Alliance by Kenya, as one of its founding members. I appreciated our expanding tourism linkages and discussed ways to further boost tourism flows," Singh posted on X following the meeting.

Moreover, the MoS engaged with Dmitri Tetenkin, the Russian Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, to discuss collaboration in climate action, sustainable resource management, forest fire management, conservation of falcons, and enhancing bilateral environmental cooperation.

"Russia and India share a unique and privileged strategic partnership. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is committed to fortifying these ties to collectively advance towards a sustainable planet," declared Singh.