New Delhi, June 15 (FN Bureau) India and Greece held the 13th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Athens during which they discussed boosting cooperation in Trade, Defence, and Mobility areas and also discussed the Ukraine conflict and UNSC reforms.The FOC were held in Athens on Wednesday, co-chaired by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and Ambassador Haris Lalacos, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece.The Indian Embassy in Greece tweeted:“13th round of India-Greece Foreign Office Consultations co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), @MEAIndia and H.E. Ambassador Haris Lalacos, Secretary General, @GreeceMFA held today in Athens.“The entire gamut of bilateral relationship was discussed during the consultations. Views on regional & global developments were also exchanged.”
During the consultations, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of all aspects of their bilateral relations. The delegations discussed enhancing cooperation in a number of areas, including Trade, Defence, Culture, People-to-People ties, and Consular issues, including Mobility, a statement said.Both sides appreciated that bilateral trade has been increasing at a steady pace, and agreed to diversify into new areas. The importance of regular bilateral political exchanges in further strengthening ties between the two countries was also emphasized.The two sides also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest, including the Ukraine conflict, India’s Presidency of G20, cooperation in multilateral fora, UNSC reforms, and developments in their respective neighbourhoods.The Foreign Office Consultations are expected to impart further momentum to bilateral ties. It was agreed to hold the next session, on a mutually convenient date, in New Delhi in 2024, it added.