Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Slovakia was marked by fruitful discussions with President Peter Pellegrini. The leaders reviewed India-Slovakia relations and signed two MoUs to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including MSMEs and culture, aiming for deeper bilateral ties.Key Takeaways
- Strengthening bilateral partnership across sectors
- MoUs signed on MSME cooperation
- Focus on cultural exchange and Indian art
- Significant growth in trade relations
- Support for India's UN Security Council bid
Bratislava, April 9 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday engaged in fruitful discussions with Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava, where both leaders examined multiple dimensions of India-Slovakia relations and committed to enhancing the bilateral partnership across various sectors.
In their one-on-one meeting and during delegation-level discussions, President Murmu and Pellegrini explored issues of mutual global and regional significance. The Indian delegation included Minister of State Nimuben Bambhaniya, along with Members of Parliament Dhaval Patel, Sandhya Ray, and senior government officials.
The President acknowledged President Pellegrini's personal dedication to fortifying bilateral ties as both leaders oversaw the signing of two MoUs—one concerning cooperation in the area of MSMEs between NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency, and another related to collaboration between SSIFS and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
"President Murmu highlighted the increasing admiration for Indian art and culture in Slovakia. She pointed out the vast potential for the two nations to work more closely in the burgeoning media, entertainment, and creative economy sectors of India, including promoting Slovakia as a filming destination and a collaborator in joint film production. She invited Slovakia to actively participate in the forthcoming WAVE Summit to be held in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025," the President's Secretariat announced on X.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu was warmly received by President Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, where she was given a ceremonial welcome, complete with a Guard of Honour. A traditional Slovak greeting involving bread and salt was presented to her by a couple in folk attire.
At a joint press conference, President Murmu expressed her delight in visiting Slovakia and emphasized that the relationship between the two nations is founded on mutual trust, democratic values, and a shared vision for global collaboration. She reiterated the deep-rooted friendship and highlighted that both countries support each other in various international forums.
On the economic front, she noted the flourishing trade relations, indicating a significant uptick in trade and investment in recent years.
"The growing Indian diaspora in Slovakia enhances the people-to-people connection between our nations," President Murmu stated.
Expressing her gratitude, she added, "I would like to thank Slovakia for its steadfast support during the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine."
Welcoming President Murmu, Slovak President Pellegrini observed that India and Slovakia maintain very amicable relations.
He remarked that President Murmu's visit would greatly enhance bilateral ties.
Pellegrini also extended Slovakia's endorsement of India's aspiration to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
"India is one of the oldest civilizations, which adds a significant spiritual and cultural aspect to Slovakia. I appreciate our cooperation in the cultural realm. Last year, classic Indian texts such as the Upanishads were translated into Slovak," said President Pellegrini.
Later, President Murmu met with the Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Richard Rasi, in Bratislava, congratulating him on his recent election as Speaker while reaffirming India's commitment to the historic friendship with Slovakia.
"President Murmu stated that Parliamentarians hold a crucial role in fostering goodwill and mutual understanding between India and Slovakia. She acknowledged the longstanding tradition of a Slovak-India Friendship Group in the National Council of Slovakia, which she believes will facilitate knowledge and experience exchange among our Parliamentarians," the President's Secretariat reported.
This marks the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in nearly three decades.
The two-day journey underscores the significance India places on its relations with the Slovak Republic and is anticipated to lay the groundwork for deeper cooperation and new initiatives across various sectors, including defense, science and technology, and education. President Murmu is also expected to engage with the Indian diaspora during her visit.
