India and the European Union have explored avenues to deepen collaboration across the tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors as part of their expanding bilateral partnership. The discussions were held during a bilateral meeting between Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, and EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The meeting between Sibi George and Apostolos Tzitzikostas highlighted the engagement between India and the EU in strengthening cooperation in the tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors. This discussion is part of the broader India-EU partnership, which aims to enhance bilateral ties between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X, confirming the meeting and the topics discussed.
Earlier in the day, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Sea Level Rise. He emphasized India's ongoing efforts concerning coastal resilience, mangrove preservation, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. This statement was made during the 'High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise' at the 81st session of the UNGA.
During the High-Level Plenary Meeting, Sibi George underscored the crucial need for equity, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and the vital significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also highlighted the importance of stable maritime zones and the continuity of statehood for vulnerable island and coastal States.
On Thursday, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, participated in the Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial meeting. The meeting focused on 'National Ownership in Practice: Strengthening Inclusive State Institutions through International Peacebuilding Support' during the UNGA. Sibi George reaffirmed the foundational importance of national ownership in peacebuilding and shared India's perspectives on nation-building.
India has extended significant support to various countries through grants, concessional credit, and capacity-building initiatives, including the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. The fund prioritizes Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This information was shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after Sibi George's participation in the Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial meeting.
In addition to these engagements, Sibi George attended the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York. This meeting exemplifies India's longstanding commitment to the Palestinian people, and the country's ongoing partnership with UNRWA aims to make a tangible and lasting impact on their daily lives.
Key points
- India and the EU are exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors.
- India emphasizes the importance of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities in addressing sea level rise.
- India reaffirms its commitment to national ownership in peacebuilding and support for Palestinian people through UNRWA.
