New Delhi, Jan 11 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook an official journey to the Republic of France and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, showcasing India's increasing engagement with Europe, as noted in an official statement released on Sunday.

The visit spanned from January 4 to January 9, according to a declaration from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During his time in France, the External Affairs Minister met with French President Emmanuel Macron and engaged in bilateral discussions with Jean-Noel Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The discussions centered on the advancements in bilateral relations across vital sectors and forthcoming high-level political engagements.

In alignment with the 'India–France Year of Innovation', both parties examined avenues to enhance collaboration in innovation and technology, startups, health, education, and mobility.

Additionally, both leaders assessed the potential for deepening cooperation in strategic domains such as defence, security, space, civil nuclear cooperation, maritime security, and the economy, while also exchanging perspectives on significant global and regional issues.

At the invitation of the French Foreign Minister, Dr. Jaishankar addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as the 'Guest of Honour', making history as the first non-European foreign minister to receive this honor.

In his address, the EAM emphasized the shifts in the global landscape and the necessity of strategic autonomy, as conveyed by the MEA.

The External Affairs Minister also took part in the inaugural India-Weimar Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which included the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and Poland, where he advocated for strengthening India–Europe and India–European Union relations.

Moreover, Dr. Jaishankar interacted with French parliamentarians, including those from the India-France Parliamentary Friendship Groups and the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee. He also engaged in discussions with Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, and Khaled El-Enany, Director General of UNESCO.

In Luxembourg, EAM Jaishankar met with Grand Duke Guillaume and conferred with Prime Minister Luc Frieden.

He also conducted bilateral discussions with Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

The dialogues encompassed the entire spectrum of India–Luxembourg relations, covering political cooperation, trade and investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space cooperation, and people-to-people connections, alongside discussions on regional and global matters of shared interest.

Furthermore, EAM Jaishankar delivered remarks to members of the Indian community in Luxembourg, recognizing their contributions to fortifying relations between the two nations and enhancing India's stature in the region.

As indicated by the MEA, this visit highlighted the significance India places on its bilateral ties with France and Luxembourg, alongside its wider partnership with the European Union, emphasizing the growing alignment of interests between India and Europe in a changing global environment.