Leh: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor reached Leh on Thursday for his maiden visit to Ladakh, a day after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, officials said.
Gor left Srinagar for Leh on Thursday morning. He was in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday and held a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which he described as “very good” and “very cordial”.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gor, who also serves as the US envoy to South and Central Asia, said Jammu and Kashmir was an important part of India.
“This is an important part of India. I am here visiting for the first time,” he said, identifying himself as the US Ambassador to India.
Upon reaching Leh airport, Gor was escorted by a large security convoy. His visit to Ladakh is significant as the Union Territory shares borders with China and Pakistan.
During his stay in Leh, the US envoy is expected to meet the Dalai Lama, who is currently in the city.
Gor’s visit to Kashmir on Wednesday also saw him indicate that the United States could review its travel advisory for American citizens visiting the region. He said the meetings had been productive and that follow-up discussions were expected in Washington and New Delhi as the two countries work to further strengthen bilateral ties.
