In a significant diplomatic development, the second edition of Bharat-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) took place on April 10 in the national capital, Delhi. The meeting served as a platform for both nations to comprehensively review their multifaceted relations. Co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, and Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, the discussions covered various key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Diverse Agenda of Discussion
The discussions during the meeting spanned a wide array of topics including trade and economic cooperation, semiconductor industry collaboration, cyber and digital initiatives, Science and Technology partnerships, UNSC reforms, and multilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of institutional dialogue mechanisms in fostering stronger ties between India and Belgium.
High-level Engagement
The FoC meeting followed recent high-level engagements between the leadership of both countries. A telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo was held on March 26. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Belgian counterpart, Hadja Lahbib, during the Munich conference in February 2024.
Commitment to Enhance Bharat-EU Ties
Bharat and Belgium reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bharat-EU strategic ties, particularly during Belgium’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Both nations expressed the desire to advance negotiations towards a comprehensive, balanced, fair, and mutually beneficial Bharat-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Exploring New Avenues of Cooperation
The dialogue also delved into global and regional affairs, green energy transition focusing on green hydrogen, pharmaceutical collaborations, port cooperation, and addressing key global challenges. Both sides highlighted initiatives aimed at promoting people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties, including plans to conclude a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
Joint Economic Commission Meeting
Prior to the FoC, the 18th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of India and BLEU (Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union) took place on April 9. The meeting, co-chaired by officials from both sides, focused on enhancing economic cooperation between India and BLEU.
Building Momentum in Bilateral Relationship
The Bharat-Belgium FoC was instrumental in providing further momentum to the bilateral relationship. It offered a valuable opportunity for both nations to review actions and priorities across multidimensional ties. Both sides agreed to convene the next round of FoC with Belgium at a mutually convenient date next year.
The second edition of Bharat-Belgium FoC underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their bilateral relations across various sectors. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen cooperation, explore new avenues of partnership, and address shared challenges, further cementing the longstanding friendship between India and Belgium.
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