Central Government Approves Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Gulf Tour, Saudi Arabia Excluded

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has received approval from the Central Government for his impending Gulf tour. The Ministry of External Affairs granted the necessary permission after an initial denial, following a renewed application from the State Government. The Chief Minister is now set to embark on a multi-phase visit to various Gulf nations from October 16 to November 9, with the notable exclusion of Saudi Arabia from his itinerary.

The tour will commence on October 16 in Bahrain, where Chief Minister Vijayan is expected to engage in a series of significant engagements. These include the Malayalotsavam, an event organized by the Malayalam Mission dedicated to promoting the Malayalam language and culture. Additionally, direct interactions and dialogues with expatriate Malayalis residing in the region are a key component of the Chief Minister’s agenda.

While the Chief Minister’s original plan included participation in various programs in Saudi Arabia from October 17 to 19, with events slated for Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh, the Central Government did not extend permission for these specific visits.

Following his engagements in Bahrain, Chief Minister Vijayan will travel to Oman, where he is scheduled to attend programs in Muscat and Salalah on October 24 and 25. His tour will then proceed to Qatar on October 30, Kuwait on November 7, and conclude in Abu Dhabi on November 9. The tour aims to strengthen ties, promote cultural exchange, and address the concerns of the large Malayali diaspora in these countries.

This approval marks a significant development for the Chief Minister’s international outreach efforts, allowing him to connect with the substantial Malayali community and foster bilateral relations in the approved Gulf states.