Sushma Swaraj renews old friendship with South African counterpart

Jakarta: The formal setting of a diplomatic event gave way to the charm of old friendship when External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spotted her South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane engrossed in discussion with Swedish Foreign Minister.

After the opening ceremony of the Asia Africa Conference here today, when Swaraj came out, she spotted Mashabane who was in conversation with Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom.

The two ministers met with great enthusiasm and hugged just like old friends asking about families and well-being of each other, attracting the attention of diplomats gathered in the hall.

"I was asking from my officials, if you (Mashabane) have come. It's so great to see you," Swaraj was heard saying.

The discussions remained informal with MEA officials terming the informal meeting as a 'tri-shakti' moment. The talks hovered from personal health to families and children.

South African Minister for International Relations, Mashabane, who had been ambassador to India, introduced Swaraj to Swedish Foreign Minister.

The two ministers mentioned the upcoming visit of the President Pranab Mukherjee to the Scandinavian country.

After the brief interaction of 10 minutes, Swaraj left to meet Fijian Foreign Minister for a bilateral meeting.

Swaraj arrived here yesterday on five-day visit to attend the 60th commemoration of the historical 1955 Asian-African Conference and the 10th anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership.