Minsk, Oct 28 (NationPress) India and Belarus have conducted the eighth round of Foreign Office Consultations in Minsk, where they explored a wide range of topics concerning their bilateral relations, such as political, economic, cultural, tourism, education, and consular matters.

As per a statement from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions touched on numerous bilateral aspects, including enhancing political dialogue, boosting mutual trade and manufacturing collaboration, expanding the legal framework, and engaging with international organizations like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and BRICS. They also emphasized the importance of fostering direct humanitarian contacts.

According to the Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parties acknowledged the noticeable increase in bilateral interactions amidst the ongoing global geopolitical challenges, highlighting a robust level of mutual trust and support, which lays the groundwork for further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations.

Both nations recognized that the current potential for cooperation has not been fully utilized and identified several areas of mutual interest. During the consultations, officials addressed various pressing regional and global issues.

Leading the Indian delegation was Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Belarusian delegation was headed by Evgeny Shestakov, the Deputy Foreign Minister.

The 8th round of India-Belarus Foreign Office Consultations was co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeny Shestakov in Minsk. Both parties reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations, including political, economic, cultural, tourism, education, and consular matters. They also exchanged insights on regional and global matters of shared interest, as mentioned by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.

Sibi George also met with Maxim Ryzhenkov, the Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs, and both acknowledged the dynamic evolution of cooperation in key sectors such as politics, economics, and humanitarian initiatives.

During his visit, George engaged with Indian students studying at the Belarusian State Medical University (BSMU) and met with Sergei Rubnikovich, the Rector of BSMU.

The Indian Embassy in Belarus reported, "Secretary (West) Sibi George interacted with Indian medical students at BSMU. He also met with Rector Sergei Rubnikovich, who reaffirmed their commitment to the students’ wellbeing and academic success."

George, along with Andrei D Carol, the Rector of Belarusian State University, and Ashok Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Belarus, honored Mahatma Gandhi with floral tributes at the university.

The Indian Embassy in Belarus stated, "Secretary (West) Sibi George, along with Rector Andrei D. Carol and Ambassador Ashok Kumar, paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Belarusian State University. His enduring message of peace and compassion continues to inspire the world."