HIGH-LEVEL representatives from India and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) converged recently on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), to discuss matters of diplomatic relations.

According to a press release, the Indian side was led by External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, while the CELAC Quartet was represented by Foreign Minister of Argentina, Mr. Santiago Cafiero; Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Mr Mario Adolfo Bucaro Flores; Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Amery Browne, and Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs of Colombia, Ms Laura Gil Savastano.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at revitalising the India-CELAC forum. They expressed happiness at the growing engagements of India with Latin American countries, and reviewed the entire spectrum of India-CELAC relations.

The meeting took stock of developments towards a post-COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery, and agreed to work closely in sectors including trade and commerce, agriculture, food and energy security, health, vaccine production, traditional medicines and logistics.

The representatives also discussed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Both sides acknowledged their co-operation in UN and other multilateral bodies, and agreed to work together on global issues, including UN reforms and Climate Change.