In a statement regarding the high-ranking diplomat’s recent tour of these Latin American and Caribbean countries, the diplomatic source indicated that Margherita’s trip, from November 4 to 10, aimed to strengthen bilateral relations with these nations and open the new Indian embassies in Quito and La Paz.

In Cuba, the last stop on his trip, the distinguished visitor met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martinez, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva.

The talks focused on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual interest, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted.

Margherita also met with Cuba’s Acting Foreign Minister, Gerardo Peñalver, to exchange views on ongoing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration.

During his visit, the Indian minister witnessed the signing of the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and the Protocol on the Cultural Exchange Program between India and Cuba.

He also laid a wreath at the Jose Marti Memorial, honoring Cuba’s national hero, and the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Havana, and visited the Fidel Castro Ruz Center.

As part of his agenda in the Caribbean nation, the visitor delivered 20 tons of humanitarian aid, including innovative portable hospitals designed to provide rapid medical assistance in emergencies, for those affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Earlier in Bolivia, Margherita attended the inauguration ceremony of newly elected President Rodrigo Paz and Vice President Edmond Lara, to whom, in a subsequent meeting, he assured India’s continued support for the growth and development of the Bolivian people.

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, his first destination, the Indian minister met with President Daniel Noboa and other officials, announced the opening of the Indian Embassy in Quito, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Diplomatic Training Institutes of both countries, among other activities.

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