Thick fog in Delhi delays PM Modi's Jordan-Ethiopia-Oman tour flight
What's the story
The flight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman was delayed on Monday due to dense fog in the national capital. He was supposed to leave around 8:30am, but only managed to board the flight around 9:30am. The visit will begin with a two-day trip to Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. "This historic visit will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between our countries," PM Modi said.
Bilateral discussions
Modi's Jordan visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties
During his stay in Jordan, PM Modi will meet King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein and Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh. He will also interact with Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this visit provides an opportunity to strengthen bilateral engagement between India and Jordan, "explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate our commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability."
African engagement
Modi's 1st visit to Ethiopia
The second leg of PM Modi's tour will be a state visit to Ethiopia from December 16. This will be his first visit to the country. In Ethiopia, he will hold discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and address a Joint Session of Parliament. He is expected to talk about India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and how India-Ethiopia partnership can benefit the Global South.
Strategic discussions
PM Modi's Oman visit to strengthen strategic partnership
The final leg of PM Modi's tour will be a visit to Oman from December 17-18. This visit will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. PM Modi will meet Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and discuss ways to strengthen their Strategic Partnership. "This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defense, security, technology, agriculture and culture," the MEA stated.