Both parties agreed that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security during the first meeting of the India-Paraguay Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) which was held in the city of Asunción.
Photo: IANS
India and Paraguay have reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism through coordinated efforts at the bilateral, regional, multilateral, and global levels.
Both parties agreed that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security during the first meeting of the India-Paraguay Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) which was held in the city of Asunción.
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In this regard, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism through coordinated efforts at the bilateral, regional, multilateral, and global levels.
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In the meeting, both sides also expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation and bilateral coordination mechanisms in the areas of security and cyber security, for mutual benefit.
The meeting was chaired by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Víctor Verdún, on behalf of the Government of Paraguay, and Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Periasamy Kumaran, on behalf of the Government of India.
“Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, promoting trade, encouraging investment, and consolidating the multi-faceted partnership in sectors of mutual interest, as well as advancing the negotiation of bilateral instruments,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Saturday.
The following areas were identified as priorities: agriculture; renewable energy (especially solar); biofuels; information and communication technologies; cybersecurity; public health; education and technical training; civil aviation; infrastructure, railways; water management and cooperation; sustainable development; and space cooperation.
In addition, the meeting was attended by senior representatives of relevant Paraguayan ministries, including the Ministry of Education and Sciences, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, and the Vice Ministry of Mines and Energy.
During the meeting, issues on the bilateral agenda were addressed, including political and economic relations, cooperation in technology, infrastructure, energy, education, health, trade and investment, civil aviation, tourism, space, sustainable development, and water resources. In addition, views were exchanged on multilateral issues of common interest, including cooperation in international forums and organisations.
The delegations agreed on the importance of deepening high-level political dialogue, promoting the exchange of official visits and regular consultations, following up on priority areas, evaluating new initiatives, and facilitating the implementation of existing instruments. They also highlighted the potential for growth in bilateral trade and investment in key areas, including renewable energy, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, ICT, biofuels, and light manufacturing.
The Paraguayan side expressed its willingness to encourage Indian investment in Paraguay. The two sides also discussed practical measures to streamline consular and administrative procedures to facilitate the presence of Indian businesses in the country.
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