Naidu calls on Guatemalan Prez; discusses bilateral cooperation

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today called on Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and discussed views on furthering bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas of mutual concerns.

Naidu, on his maiden foreign visit after assuming office, was received by Foreign Minister of Guatemala Sandra Jovel and India's Ambassador Sajeev Babu Kurup upon his arrival here.

His visit to the central American country assumes significance as it is the first ever highest-level visit between the two countries.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Starting a day on high note. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu called on the President of the Republic of Guatemala Jimmy Morales. Leaders shared views on furthering bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas of mutual concerns".

"Making history as it is the highest level visit ever between India and Guatemala," he said in a tweet.

The visit would focus on various areas of mutual cooperation such as protection of wildlife, human resource and training, and information technology among others, Preeti Saran, Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters during a briefing in New Delhi last week.

Besides Guatemala, Naidu will also travel to Panama and Peru from May 6-12 and hold talks with the top leadership of these countries to boost ties in areas such as trade and information technology.