Dublin: External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, called on Irish President Michael D Higgins on March 6. He conveyed the regards of President Droupadi Murmu to the Irish President and the two leaders discussed the role of culture in strengthening the nationhood.

The EAM, who is on a tour of the UK and Ireland this week, posted on Thursday on X, “Honoured to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu.”

“Value his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. Spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood,” he said. It marked the second leg of EAM Jaishankar’s visit which began in London on March 4.

Meeting with ex-PM

Dr Jaishankar began his visit to Ireland from the iconic General Post Office Museum, Trinity College and started by interacting with Irish leaders such as former PM Leo Varadkar. The 1916 Easter Rising depicted in the General Post Office Museum has a special “meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism”, he said on March 6.

In a series of posts on X, the EAM said, “Started my visit to Ireland going to the iconic General Post Office Museum in Dublin. The 1916 Easter Rising has a special meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism.”

He also visited Trinity College where he saw the Old Library. EAM Jaishankar also wrote on X, “Fascinating to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library at the Trinity College in Dublin. Indeed a proud celebration of Irish heritage and culture.”

He also spoke to Irish leaders such as Indian-origin former Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and also interacted with Ministers James Lawless, Robert Troy, and Member of Parliament Malcolm Byrne.

“A good conversation with former PM @LeoVaradkar, Minister @lawlessj, MoS @RobertTroyTD and MP @malcolmbyrne this afternoon. Appreciate their warm sentiments and steadfast support for India-Ireland ties”, he wrote on X.

The EAM was on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9. India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services, the MEA said. Ireland had supported and assisted India during the Covid-19 pandemic under EU ECHO mechanism, Ireland sent emergency medical assistance of 1248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments. Ireland has consistently supported India in its fight against terror.

As per the MEA, Indian Embassy has been encouraging Irish companies to engage in major flagship programmes like “Make in India”, “Digital India”, “Clean India” and “Smart Cities”.