Synopsis
On April 10, President Droupadi Murmu attended a banquet in her honor at Bratislava Castle, hosted by Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini. The event celebrated cultural ties, with musical performances and discussions on strengthening India-Slovakia relations across various sectors. This visit marks the first by an Indian President to Slovakia in nearly 30 years.Key Takeaways
- President Murmu's visit highlights deep cultural ties.
- Mutual agreements signed to enhance cooperation.
- Focus on expanding bilateral relations in various sectors.
- Importance of the Indian diaspora in Slovakia.
- First visit by an Indian President in nearly 30 years.
Bratislava, April 10 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday participated in a lavish banquet organized in her honor by Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini at the iconic Bratislava Castle.
The President's office took to X, stating, "The Slovak artists delivered enchanting musical performances, including the National Anthem, highlighting the profound cultural ties between the two nations."
President Murmu expressed her gratitude towards the Slovak Government and its citizens for their gracious welcome and hospitality.
"She remarked that the admiration for Indian culture in Slovakia, from yoga and Ayurveda to Indian cuisine, exemplifies our robust people-to-people connections. She reiterated India's dedication to enhancing the friendship between the two nations," the post continued.
On Wednesday, President Murmu engaged in constructive discussions with President Pellegrini in Bratislava, where both leaders examined various facets of India-Slovakia relations and reached a consensus on fortifying their bilateral partnership across multiple sectors.
During their private meeting and delegation-level discussions, President Murmu and Pellegrini also addressed issues of mutual global and regional interest.
The Indian delegation included Minister of State Nimuben Bambhaniya, as well as Members of Parliament Dhaval Patel, Sandhya Ray, and senior officials.
The President commended President Pellegrini's personal commitment and initiative towards enhancing bilateral relations, as both leaders witnessed the signing of two MoUs—one for cooperation in MSMEs between NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency, and another for collaboration between SSIFS and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
"President Murmu acknowledged the growing admiration for Indian art and culture in Slovakia. She emphasized the significant potential for both nations to collaborate more closely in India's flourishing media, entertainment, and creative economy sectors, including promoting Slovakia as a filming location and as a partner in joint film production. She invited Slovakia to participate actively in the upcoming WAVE Summit hosted by India in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025," the President's Secretariat disclosed.
Earlier on Wednesday, President Murmu was welcomed by President Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, where she received a ceremonial welcome complete with a Guard of Honour. A couple in traditional folk attire extended a customary Slovak welcome with bread and salt.
Subsequently, President Murmu met with Richard Rasi, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, congratulating him on his recent election and reaffirming India's commitment to the historic friendship between the two nations.
"President Murmu stated that Parliamentarians play a vital role in fostering goodwill and mutual understanding between India and Slovakia. She noted the existence of a Slovak-India Friendship Group within the National Council of Slovakia, emphasizing its potential to facilitate knowledge and experience exchange among our legislators," the President's Secretariat stated.
President Murmu also held extensive discussions with Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic. She remarked that India values its longstanding close and friendly relations with Slovakia, grounded in shared values of democracy, rule of law, and alignment on global issues.
She acknowledged the increase in engagements across various sectors, and the two leaders agreed to further diversify and strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest.
This marks the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in nearly three decades. The two-day visit underscores the significance India places on its bilateral relations with the Slovak Republic.
It is anticipated to pave the way for deeper cooperation and new initiatives in various sectors, including defense, science and technology, and education. Furthermore, President Murmu will engage with the Indian diaspora during this visit.
