Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in several bilateral meetings with global leaders on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), commonly known as COP28, currently taking place in Dubai.
PM Modi commenced the day by praising the visionary leadership of UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during their meeting. In a statement on social media platform X, Modi expressed his privilege to meet Sheikh Mohammed, acknowledging his commendable leadership on various issues.
The Indian Prime Minister also engaged with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon at COP28, emphasizing the significance of their discussions in a post on X. The meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II involved enriching and reflective discussions on the deep-rooted friendship between India and Jordan, according to PM Modi.
Modi’s interaction with Netherlands counterpart Mark Rutte was characterized by warm discussions and the exchange of ideas. The leaders met on the sidelines of COP28, fostering diplomatic ties.
Earlier in the day, the world leaders attending COP28 were seen posing for the customary ‘family photograph’ as the summit commenced on Friday. PM Modi was welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the venue.
Expressing gratitude on X for the warm welcome, Modi thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Antonio Guterres for their hospitality. He reiterated his commitment to meaningful dialogues and collaborations for a sustainable future during the COP-28 Summit.
During his stay in Dubai, PM Modi is scheduled to participate in two special initiatives on climate events. He will address the opening session of the World Climate Summit Action Summit and attend the Presidency’s session on Transforming Climate Finance, hosted by the UAE. Additionally, he will participate in a high-level event on the Green Credits Programme, co-hosted by India and the UAE, and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) Event, co-hosted by India and Sweden.
This marks PM Modi’s third appearance at the World Climate Action Summit, following his visits to Paris in 2015 and Glasgow in 2021. COP28, hosted by the UAE, is set to continue until December 12, providing a crucial platform for global leaders to collaborate on combating the shared challenge of climate change.