EAM Jaishankar dials Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, discusses steps to combat COVID-19

In a series of talks with foreign ministers of various countries, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar telephoned Foreign Minister of Iran, Jav Zarif on Monday and discussed  steps taken by country to counter challenges posed by COVID-19. two leers also shared opinions on regional developments.

Iran is one of severely-affected countries with about 73,000 cases and 4,585 deaths due to COVID-19. Iran on Sunday anunced 117 new deaths from vel coronavirus, bringing overall official toll to 4,474, even as it eased some restrictions that h been imposed to slow spre of virus. Health ministry spokesman Kiaush Jahanpour also told a news conference that 1,657 new infections h been confirmed in past 24 hours, taking total to 71,686.

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Jaishankar speaks to Australian counterpart

Earlier on April 9, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne and shared respective domestic response strategies by two countries to deal with Coronavirus pandemic.

talks between two Foreign Ministers came two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison agreed on importance of bilateral experience-sharing in flattening  curve of coronavirus.

In a tweet, Jaishankar said India is also responding "positively" to Australia's requirements for drugs, without elaborating wher it has sought supply of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine like many or countries. US and a sizeable number of countries have pressed India to provide drug, cited by many as a viable rapeutic solution to fight coronavirus infection.

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Jaishankar speaks to Spanish counterpart

On same day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dialled his Spanish counterpart Arancha Gonz lez during which two leers agreed that effective coronavirus response requires global cooperation. talks between two foreign ministers came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon deliberated upon situation arising out of COVID-19 outbreak.

In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "H a telephonic conversation with Spanish FM Arancha Gonz lez. We agreed that effective #COVID response requires global cooperation. India has responded positively to urgent pharmaceutical requirement of Spain." 

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(With inputs from ncies)