New Delhi. 03 July 2021. Indian & Greece discussed the recent developments pertaining to the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya and agreed that the rule of law and respect for sovereignty, sovereign rights and territorial integrity in accordance with international law, are fundamental principles of international relations that must be observed by all. Both countries recognised the threat posed by radicalization, violent extremism, as well as terrorism, including cross border terrorism. They emphasized that there can be no justification for these in any form or manifestation.
At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Nikos Dendias, the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, paid an official visit to Greece recently. On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, the External Affairs Minister conveyed felicitations of the President and the Prime Minister of India to the Government and the people of Greece.
During the visit, the External Affairs Minister paid a courtesy call on Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, and had bilateral talks with his counterpart, Nikos Dendias. He also unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Athens on 26 June 2021. The statue will act as a strong symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Both sides had a comprehensive exchange of views on further consolidating the bilateral relations, which continue to deepen and expand rapidly. Both sides noted with satisfaction the ongoing cooperation in several areas, such as, trade and investment, science and technology, culture, academics and people-to-people contact and agreed to work together to further enhance collaboration in these areas. It was also agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations and Joint Trade Committee would be held soon. Both sides also agreed to work towards the establishment of a Strategic Partnership.
The Greek Foreign Minister signed and handed over the Agreement on the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to the Indian side. The External Affairs Minister of India welcomed Greece to the family of the ISA. Both sides agreed that this will assist the two countries in realisation of the energy goals set by the respective governments to make renewable energy a significant part of the energy supply.
The two leaders also shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest in the context of new geo-political and geo-economic realities, including the Indo-Pacific. Both sides noted with satisfaction the convergence of each-others’ vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region.
They conveyed their deep commitment to multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. They reaffirmed the importance of the urgent reform of the UN, including UNSC expansion, and other multilateral institutions so as to make them more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.
Both sides discussed the Covid-19 situation globally and the process of economic recovery. They agreed on the need for joint efforts to combat the disease and to work together for consolidating economic and commercial activities during and immediately after the pandemic.
