In a bid to make the
strong bilateral relationship, India and Portugal have signed major agreements in different fields.Both the
countries have agreed to work in the field including defence cooperation,
agriculture and marine research etc.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio
Costa both meet in New Delhi today.
Welcoming the
Portuguese Prime Minister to India, the President said India attaches great
value to its historical bonds with Portugal spanning over 500 years. India and Portugal share core values of
democracy, pluralism, multiculturalism and rule of law. The two countres built on many commonalities
and have developed a broad programme of mutually beneficial co-operation.
The President said
Prime Minister Antonio’s visit takes place at a time when relations between
India and Portugal are in an excellent state. In trade and investment,
scientific research, education, culture and security, our success is
substantial. There is much promise and
potential for building on our friendship and strengthening our 21st century
partnership. Both the countries seek to
strengthen their collaboration in areas where they have synergies including
defence, maritime cooperation and oceanography and partnerships in third
countries.
Trade and investment
ties between India and Portugal have much scope for improvement. Bilateral
trade is of the order of USD 700 million.
It needs to be energised and the trade basket diversified. The President
also praised the 70,000 strong Indian Diaspora in Portugal for playing an
important role in strengthening India-Portugal relations.
The Portuguese Prime Minister reciprocated the
President’s sentiments and said he was honoured to pay a state visit to India
as the first Portuguese Prime Minister of Indian origin. He said the two countries share history and
common values.
There is need to
strengthen and modernize the United Nations.
Therefore, Portugal supports the inclusion of countries like India in
the UN Security Council. Only a strong
UN can deal with challenges like terrorism, climate change etc. He said there is need to do much more than
has been done in the past as far as bilateral relations concerned. Portugal is keen to strengthen relations with
India.
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