Greek PM Kyriakos meets PM Modi
After receiving the guard of honour, Greek PM said that the strategic partnership with India holds a significant importance for Greece.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is on a two-day state visit to India, was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Mitsitakis, accompanied by his wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, were received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis embarked on a significant visit to India, meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
The visit marked a diplomatic milestone, emphasizing the historical and cultural connections shared by Greece and India. The leaders engaged in discussions covering various aspects, from economic cooperation to strategic partnerships.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome as Prime Minister Mitsotakis received a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The grandeur of the event reflected the importance both nations place on fostering diplomatic relationships and enhancing collaboration in diverse fields.
After receiving the guard of honour, the Greek Prime Minister said that the strategic partnership with India holds a significant importance for Greece and he is looking forward to bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi.
“It is a privilege to be in India on an official state visit, reciprocating the visit of the Prime Minister to Greece a few months ago. For Greece, the strategic partnership between our two countries is of particular importance and we will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, political consultations, strategic partnership, but also fostering our economic lives between our two economies.
So it’s a real privilege to be here and I’m really looking forward to the discussions we will have as the Prime Minister,” Mitsitakis said.
Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos. Jaishankar stated that he valued Mitsotakis’ commitment to enhancing ties between India and Greece.
Mitsotakis arrived in the national capital late on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi welcomed the Greek PM at the airport. Notably, Mitsotakis is the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the three day Raisina Dialogue 2024, which begins today.
Mitsotakis is accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson stated, “Warm welcome to PM @kmitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS @M_Lekhiat the airport. PM Mitsotakis is the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at #RaisinaDialogue2024.”
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis who is in New Delhi to attend the Raisina Dialogue. on Tuesdsay met with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and the two leaders discussed the strengthening of India-Greece and India-Europe cooperation.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Greek counterpart, Mitsotakis will hold bilateral discussions and PM Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.
Notably, this is the first bilateral Head of State or Head of Government level visit from Greece to India after 15 years, the last Prime Ministerial visit from Greece to India took place in 2008. PM Modi had visited Athens on 25 August 2023.
In a press release, Ministry of External Affairs stated, “Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s visit is expected to further strengthen and deepen the strategic partnership between India and Greece.”
Notably, India-Greece relations have been elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ during PM Modi’s visit to Greece in August 2023. Mitsotakis will also visit Mumbai before returning to Athens.
Key Highlights of the Meeting:
Economic Collaboration: The leaders explored avenues to boost economic cooperation, emphasizing trade and investment. Initiatives to enhance business ties and promote joint ventures were discussed, with a focus on sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and tourism.
Cultural and Historical Ties: Greece and India share a rich cultural and historical heritage. The leaders acknowledged the deep-rooted connections and expressed a commitment to preserving and promoting cultural exchanges. This includes initiatives to facilitate tourism and educational programs that foster greater mutual understanding.
Strategic Partnerships: The meeting underscored the significance of strategic partnerships between the two nations. Discussions included cooperation in defense and security, with an emphasis on addressing shared challenges and promoting regional stability.
People-to-People Contacts: Enhancing people-to-people contacts emerged as a key focus. The leaders recognized the role of diaspora communities in fostering stronger ties and discussed measures to facilitate travel, education, and cultural exchanges between Greece and India.
Global Issues: The leaders engaged in conversations on pressing global issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and healthcare. The commitment to collaborative efforts on these fronts reflects a shared vision for addressing global challenges collectively.
The visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India serves as a testament to the growing importance both nations attach to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. The meeting between the leaders not only reaffirmed the historical connections but also paved the way for future collaborations that hold immense potential for mutual benefit.
As the world witnesses an evolving geopolitical landscape, India and Greece, with their shared values and commitment to democracy, are poised to contribute significantly to regional and global affairs. The diplomatic engagement between the two leaders serves as a positive step towards harnessing the full potential of the bilateral relationship and fostering a stronger partnership in the years to come.
