Kyrgyzstan: Jaishankar conveys India's support to President Zhaparov for SCO presidency

Jaishankar is in Kyrgyzstan to represent PM Modi at the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) which is being held under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan.

"Delighted to call on President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyz Republic. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed cooperation in banking, energy, health and pharma, defence, agriculture and investments. Conveyed India's support for the successful Kyrgyz Presidency of SCO Council of Heads of Government," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Jaishankar also held talks with his Kyrgyzstan counterpart, Zheenbek Kulubaev about strengthening India-Kyrgyz cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and developmental projects.

"Good to see my old friend FM Zheenbek Kulubaev in Bishkek. Spoke about strengthening India-Kyrgyz cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, development projects, health and education. Also exchanged views on Afghanistan, West Asia and connectivity," he stated on X.

The EAM arrived in Bishkek on Wednesday and was welcomed by Deputy Foreign Minister Moldogaziev for a warm reception.

The October 25-26 meeting in the Kyrgyz capital city of Bishkek will be attended by the heads of governments of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the Vice-President of Iran, and the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.

In Bishkek, the EAM will also meet with his counterparts from other SCO member states and call on the country's top leadership, the MEA statement read.

SCO observer States including Belarus and Mongolia as well as guest states Turkmenistan will also attend the meeting.

The CHG is the second-highest forum in SCO. It focuses primarily on the areas of economy, finance, commerce, and socio-economic cooperation.

India held the SCO Leaders Summit this year on July 4 in a virtual format. (ANI)