Cape Town [South Africa], July 26 (ANI): Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita held a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin, focusing on bilateral ties and key global issues.

In a post on X, Margherita stated, 'Had a productive meeting with Mr. Alexander Pankin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. As strategic partners, discussed progress in bilateral cooperation and contemporary issues, including in the G20.'

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In addition to these bilateral engagements, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Friday participated in the first session of the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting on Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Social Protection.

Margherita emphasized the need to bridge the Sustainable Development Goals financing gap.

In a post on X, he said, 'Participated in the first session of the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting on Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Social Protection today. Highlighted India's key achievements in ensuring inclusive Social Protection for all and emphasized the need to bridge the SDG financing gap.'

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Earlier in the day, Margherita met with South African Minister of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa and invited the nation to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

Margherita expressed India's support for the priorities of the South African presidency.

In a post on X, he said, 'Glad to meet Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister of DPME, South Africa. Expressed India's support for the priorities of the South African presidency and emphasized the importance of critical minerals and debt sustainability for Africa. Also invited South Africa to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.'

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Earlier on Thursday, he met Thani Mohamed-Soilihi Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister's Meeting.

In a post on X, he said, 'It was a pleasure to meet Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister's Meeting. Discussions were held on 4P and continuing our common interest in AI, reform of international financial architecture, and disaster resilience.'

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Margherita is in South Africa to attend G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency.

In a post on X, he said, 'Arrived at Kruger National park, Mpumalanga South Africa to attend G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. Looking forward to meaningful engagements with stakeholders from G20 members and invited countries to discuss key development issues facing the world.'

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South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. (ANI)