This will be the first visit of MoS External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi to Georgia

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi will make an official visit to Georgia on October 10-11 and the Republic of Kazakhstan on October 12-13, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

This will be the first visit of MoS Lekhi to Georgia. "Bilateral relations with Georgia have intensified after the historic visit of External Affairs Minister last year," the MEA said.

During the visit, MoS Lekhi will meet with Georgia's Foreign Minister and other top officials to discuss different aspects of bilateral cooperation. She will also be interacting with Indian students in Georgia, who are an important link between the two countries.

About her visit to Kazakhstan, the MEA press release said that MoS Lekhi will be leading the Indian delegation to the 6th Summit meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to be held in Astana.

As one of the organization's founding members, India has supported CICA's endeavours by, among other things, planning and taking part in a number of CICA activities.

On the sidelines of the summit, MoS Lekhi will also have several bilateral sessions with senior dignitaries and ministers from other participating nations, including Kazakhstan.

According to the MEA, India has close and friendly ties with Georgia and Kazakhstan underpinned by cultural and historical linkages. MoS’ Lekhi's visit comes at an opportune time as India marks the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties with both countries.

"The visit will further reinforce the momentum in India’s bilateral relations with these countries," the MEA added.