Speaking at a press conference in Washington, DC, Wong reflected on her meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, held prior to Trump’s inauguration. She noted, “Quad Foreign Ministers are also here in DC for the inauguration. I had the opportunity to meet with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and the Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya ahead of the inauguration. We’re really pleased at the invitation extended to Quad Foreign Ministers. It’s a demonstration of the collective commitment of all countries to the Quad, an iron-clad commitment in this time where close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is so important.”

Looking ahead, Wong mentioned her plans to meet with members of the Trump administration and Congress in the coming days. “Australia is here, again, from day one to pursue our shared interests and to deliver for both our peoples,” she added, reinforcing Australia’s continued engagement with the US government.

Wong also expressed her honor at being the first Australian Foreign Minister to be invited to a US Presidential inauguration. She highlighted that Australia’s invitation to this significant event, one of only a few foreign governments to receive it, symbolized the enduring alliance between the two nations. “I am so honoured to be the first Australian Foreign Minister who has been invited to a presidential inauguration,” she said. “We are one of only a small handful of foreign governments to receive this invitation, a demonstration of the steadfast alliance between Australia and the United States, an alliance, a relationship, bound by a long history of cooperation, shared ambitions, and enduring respect between our peoples.”

As part of her visit, Wong also mentioned her intention to meet with Marco Rubio, the nominee for US Secretary of State, to discuss further enhancing the strong economic and security partnership between Australia and the United States. She emphasized the critical nature of this alliance for both countries, especially in contributing to Australia’s defense, security, and economic prosperity.

“The alliance is critical to both our nations and is critical to our region,” Wong said. “It is critical because of its contribution to Australia’s defence, Australia’s security and, of course, Australia’s economic prosperity. The US is our closest global partner. It is our most important strategic relationship.”

The Quad partnership, involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is committed to supporting a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. This cooperation aims to ensure a stable and resilient regional order, a vision shared by all four countries, as outlined by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

On January 19, Jaishankar also met with Penny Wong in Washington, DC, sharing his positive sentiments about their discussions. “Delighted to meet FM Penny Wong, a Quad colleague, in Washington DC today. As always, enjoyed our discussion on the state of the world,” he posted on social media.

The Quad alliance continues to gain prominence as a strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific, with each member nation reinforcing its commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

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This new agreement is set to reduce trade barriers, streamline customs procedures, and foster increased private sector collaboration and investment between the two countries. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted that the agreement marks a significant addition to the UAE’s CEPA program, strengthening its connections with the Asia-Pacific region, one of the world’s most developed and open markets.

The UAE-New Zealand CEPA is built upon the growing economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral non-oil trade having reached USD 642 million in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that the CEPA reflects the shared ambition of both countries to create resilient, future-ready economies powered by knowledge, innovation, and talent.

As part of the agreement, New Zealand will provide 100% duty-free access to all imports from the UAE, while the UAE will offer duty-free access to 98.5% of New Zealand products, with this figure set to rise to 99% within three years. This trade deal is expected to increase bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2032, tripling the five-year average trade of USD 1.5 billion between the two nations from 2019-2023.

This partnership is particularly significant as it marks New Zealand’s first trade agreement with a Middle Eastern nation, and it stands as one of the UAE’s most expansive CEPAs to date. The agreement covers a wide array of areas, including indigenous trade, sustainable development, women’s economic empowerment, and transparency. In addition to the CEPA, a Bilateral Investment Treaty aimed at promoting and protecting investments was also concluded, ensuring a stronger framework for increasing UAE-New Zealand investment ties across multiple sectors.

The UAE’s CEPA program, launched in September 2021, is a central part of the country’s economic growth strategy, which targets USD 1 trillion in total trade value by 2031 and aims to double the size of its economy to surpass USD 800 billion by 2031. To date, the program has resulted in agreements with nations across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe, broadening access to markets that represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population.

This agreement solidifies the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its economic relations globally, with a particular focus on creating mutually beneficial partnerships that promote innovation, sustainability, and long-term economic growth.

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Dr. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was hailed for his transformative role in India’s economic liberalization. He is widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reforms in the early 1990s, which helped the country navigate an economic crisis and opened it to the global market. His leadership during the 2008 global financial crisis and his consistent pursuit of inclusive growth remain a testament to his foresight and dedication to India’s progress.

Global Diplomats Express Their Admiration

Diplomats from several nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, and others, expressed deep sadness at the passing of Dr. Singh, while also celebrating his lasting impact on international relations and global diplomacy.

U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, described Dr. Singh as “one of the most influential leaders of his generation.” He praised Dr. Singh’s role in fostering U.S.-India relations and his work to build bridges between the two countries in trade, defense, and shared democratic values. “Dr. Singh’s intellectual leadership and calm diplomacy will never be forgotten,” Garcetti said.

British High Commissioner Alex Ellis also offered his condolences, recalling the strong partnership between India and the United Kingdom during Dr. Singh’s tenure. “Dr. Singh’s legacy is not just in India but in the broader world as well,” Ellis remarked. “He was a man of great integrity, intellect, and warmth.”

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov described Dr. Singh as a “visionary” who played a crucial role in strengthening the strategic ties between India and Russia. He remembered Dr. Singh’s role in ensuring that the two countries maintained a robust relationship during times of global uncertainty.

A Leader of Humility and Vision

Despite his tremendous achievements on the world stage, Dr. Singh was known for his quiet, humble leadership. His approach to governance was marked by calm decision-making and a focus on long-term stability, both economically and politically. His ability to remain calm and composed in the face of challenges earned him respect from leaders across the globe.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Singh remained committed to economic reforms, social welfare programs, and maintaining India’s independence in foreign policy. His efforts toward liberalizing India’s economy in the early 1990s, including measures that opened the country to foreign investments, set the stage for decades of growth. His focus on poverty reduction, rural development, and education reforms continues to shape India’s policy landscape.

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. Singh’s legacy is far-reaching, encompassing his efforts in domestic policy and international relations. He was instrumental in strengthening India’s position in global forums, while also prioritizing social justice at home. The economic reforms he championed not only transformed India but also helped establish it as a major global player.

His leadership in navigating complex geopolitical challenges, including strengthening ties with the United States, Russia, and the Middle East, was marked by a careful balancing act that respected India’s sovereignty while embracing global engagement.

A Moment of Reflection

As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, Dr. Singh’s passing serves as a moment for reflection on the impact of his life and career. His achievements as an economist, a leader, and a statesman have left an indelible mark on India and the world.

Dr. Singh will be remembered not just for the reforms and policies he implemented but for his dedication to democratic values, integrity, and the welfare of the people. The world has lost a great leader, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

The tribute by foreign envoys at the Indian Embassy in New Delhi and the global recognition of his leadership are a testament to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s enduring influence and the respect he commanded on the international stage. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to India’s growth and the global order will never be forgotten.

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The consultations focused on all aspects of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which was established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August. Key topics covered during the discussions included the 2024-2028 Action Plan for implementing the Strategic Partnership. This plan encompasses areas such as high-level exchanges, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, connectivity, energy, cybersecurity, environment, people-to-people ties, and youth exchange.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that both sides discussed the full range of India-Poland relations and shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. He added that the consultations aimed at further strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Poland.

India and Poland also exchanged perspectives on important regional and global issues. The discussions held are expected to contribute to the continued strengthening of their bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024 was a historic one, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years. During the visit, India and Poland elevated their ties to the level of a strategic partnership. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. They also expressed “deepest concern” over the Ukraine conflict and its humanitarian consequences, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration within multilateral forums to advocate for international norms and work together to promote a stable and secure global environment. The Ministry of External Affairs termed Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland as “historic and very successful,” highlighting the commitment to elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.

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