India and Eritrea Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Third Round of Consultations

India and Eritrea recently held the third round of Foreign Office Consultations in Asmara, led by key officials from both nations. Discussions encompassed a wide range of topics, including politics, economy, and cultural exchanges. The nations aim to deepen their partnership, emphasizing human resource development and continued regular dialogue.

The latest round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Eritrea unfolded in Asmara, marking the third such engagement aimed at fortifying bilateral ties. In the spotlight were M Suresh Kumar, leading the Indian delegation as Joint Secretary (West Asia and North Africa) from the Ministry of External Affairs, and Ambassador Estifanos Habtemariam Ghereyus, representing Eritrea as the Director General of its Foreign Ministry. They engaged in comprehensive talks covering a breadth of issues including political, economic, and cultural collaborations.

In addition to bilateral review, the delegations exchanged perspectives on regional matters of shared interest. Particularly underscored was the enhancement of human resource development through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation and Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships. Both parties reaffirmed their resolve to deepen this collaborative spirit and remain committed to structured regular meetings, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.

During his visit, Suresh Kumar also met with Osman Saleh Mohammad, Eritrea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yemane Gebremeskel, the Minister of Information. They concurred on organizing the next FOC session in New Delhi at a mutually agreeable time. Meanwhile, the Indian community in Eritrea, primarily based in Asmara, Keren, and Adi Keyh, continues to play a vital role, with economic exchanges steadying and India extending noteworthy food assistance in recent years.