Funafuti, April 25 (IANS) Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, reaffirmed India’s commitment to health-sector cooperation with the South Pacific nation of Tuvalu on Saturday.

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to health sector cooperation, including the provision of a dialysis unit and a sea ambulance to the Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific.

The Minister visited Princess Margaret Hospital in Funafuti and interacted with dedicated healthcare professionals delivering essential services to the community.

He also mentioned that together, they aim to enhance healthcare delivery for the people of Tuvalu.

Earlier in the day, he also met Hamoa Holona, Minister of Education and Acting Minister of Health, and discussed ways to further expand India-Tuvalu cooperation in the education and health sectors.

He met Paulson Panapa, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour, and Trade of Tuvalu, on Friday and discussed strengthening bilateral development cooperation, including in health and in building climate-resilient infrastructure.

He stated in a post on X that India and Tuvalu share a deep partnership rooted in shared values and commitment, adding that India remains a steadfast partner in Tuvalu’s development journey.

He met Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, Governor-General of Tuvalu, on Friday and had a productive discussion on further strengthening India–Tuvalu bilateral cooperation across key sectors, reaffirming their shared commitment to the progress and well-being of their peoples.

He met Tuvalu’s Minister for Home, Climate Change, and Environment, Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, on Friday and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, sustainable development, and capacity building.

On Thursday, he met Jotham Napat, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, and discussed strengthening India-Vanuatu bilateral cooperation across key sectors, reaffirming their shared commitment to the well-being and progress of their peoples.

He also met Xavier Emanuel Harry, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and External Trade of Vanuatu, and discussed advancing bilateral development cooperation, particularly in health, capacity building, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

He also discussed cooperation in multilateral fora.

He stated in a post on X that India and Vanuatu share a strong partnership anchored in mutual trust and shared values, adding that India remains a committed and reliable partner in Vanuatu’s development journey.

He also visited the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology in Vanuatu, a flagship institution established with India’s support to strengthen digital skills and build local youth capacity, on April 22.

He arrived in Port Vila on April 22 for his first official visit to Vanuatu.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit to the Republic of Vanuatu and Tuvalu by Shri Pabitra Margherita underscores India’s commitment to strengthening political and developmental cooperation ties with Pacific Island countries and is in continuation of the historic third Summit of the Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation held in May 2023 in Port Moresby.

–IANS

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