What Did MoS Margherita Discuss with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister on Bilateral Relations?

Cape Town (South Africa), July 26 (NationPress) - The Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, engaged in discussions with Alexander Pankin, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing current issues relevant to the G20.

On the social media platform X, MoS Margherita shared, "Had a fruitful discussion with Alexander Pankin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. As strategic partners, we reviewed advancements in bilateral relations and examined pressing issues, including those pertaining to the G20."

Additionally, he participated in the inaugural session of the G20 Development Minister's meeting on tackling illicit financial flows and social protection on Thursday.

In another update on X, he stated: "Participated in the first session of the #G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting addressing Combating Illicit Financial Flows & Social Protection today. I showcased India’s significant strides in guaranteeing inclusive social protection for all and stressed the necessity to close the SDG financing gap."

Earlier on Thursday, he held discussions with Maropene Ramokgopa, the South African Minister of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and extended an invitation for South Africa to join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

In another post on X, he wrote: "It was a pleasure meeting @MaropeneRamo, Minister of DPME, South Africa. I expressed India's commitment to support the priorities of the South African presidency and highlighted the significance of critical minerals and debt sustainability for Africa. I also invited South Africa to join the @isolaralliance and @cdri_world."

MoS Margherita also met with Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, France’s Minister of International Partnerships, during the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting (DMM) in Johannesburg, South Africa.

They exchanged views on the 4Ps (Planet, People, Peace, and Prosperity), as well as collaboration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), reforming the global financial architecture, and enhancing disaster resilience.

“It was wonderful to meet Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of International Partnerships of France on the sidelines of the G20 Development Minister’s Meeting. Our discussions revolved around the 4Ps and our mutual interest in AI, reforming international financial systems, and boosting disaster resilience,” MoS Margherita mentioned on X.

The MoS arrived at Kruger National Park in South Africa’s Mpumalanga region on Thursday to attend the G20 DMM after successfully completing visits to Lesotho and Eswatini.

He expressed his eagerness for “meaningful engagements” with stakeholders from G20 countries and invited nations to deliberate on significant global development challenges.

The G20 Development Working Group Ministerial Meeting is being held at Kruger National Park. South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025.

The theme for South Africa’s G20 Presidency is ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’

Upon his arrival in South Africa, MoS Margherita posted on X, “Landed at Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa, to partake in the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. Anticipating meaningful interactions with stakeholders from G20 countries and invited nations to discuss key global development issues.”