La Paz, Nov 9 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented India at the inauguration ceremony of Rodrigo Paz Pereira as Bolivia's President and reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to enhancing the bilateral relationship.

Margherita shared that he conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Pereira.

"I represented India at the Inauguration Ceremony of H.E. Mr. Rodrigo Paz Pereira as President of Bolivia. I met President Paz Pereira and conveyed the greetings from Hon’ble Rashtrapati Ji and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. India is dedicated to strengthening its partnership with Bolivia and collaborating on shared interests," he posted on X.

Earlier in October, PM Modi congratulated Pereira on his electoral victory in Bolivia. Pereira, 58, won the presidential runoff election on October 19, as confirmed by the quick count of the Preliminary Results System of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

"Warm congratulations, Mr. Rodrigo Paz Pereira, on your election as the President of Bolivia. The close and friendly ties between India and Bolivia have always underpinned our mutually beneficial cooperation. I anticipate deepening our partnership for shared progress in the years ahead," PM Modi posted on X.

During his visit to Bolivia, MoS Margherita inaugurated India House in La Paz, the official residence of the Indian Ambassador, referring to it as a "new chapter" in bilateral relations.

He expressed: "Glad to inaugurate India House in La Paz, the official residence of the Indian Ambassador. Meeting friends of India and local dignitaries at the newly inaugurated residence was a pleasure. This marks a new chapter in India–Bolivia relations, fortifying our friendship and bilateral ties."

Margherita also engaged with the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Alumni in Bolivia, sharing experiences from their training programs in India. He expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of India’s development partnership on Bolivian professionals.

On Saturday, he interacted with members of the Indian community and local cultural groups devoted to Indian music, dance, and yoga, praising their efforts in promoting India's values in Bolivia.

"I met members of the Indian community and Bolivian cultural groups devoted to Indian music, dance, and yoga. I conveyed my best wishes for their progress and wellbeing and appreciated their dedication to promoting India’s values in Bolivia. Their goodwill, alongside the initiatives of the Indian Embassy, strengthens our friendship and people-to-people ties," he posted on X.

He also met Bolivian business representatives to discuss enhancing bilateral trade and investment, particularly in minerals, textiles, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. Margherita encouraged Bolivian business leaders to explore opportunities in India's dynamic market.

He inaugurated the new Chancery building of the Indian Embassy in La Paz, calling it an "important milestone in advancing India’s diplomatic engagement with Bolivia."

Margherita also marked the celebration of 150 years of the National Song Vande Mataram at the Indian Embassy in Bolivia. Sharing images, he posted on X: "Privileged to launch the celebration of 150 years of the National Song Vande Mataram at the Indian Embassy in Bolivia, La Paz, with over 150 friends of India and members of the Indian diaspora. I was delighted to witness vibrant cultural performances by talented Bolivian youth."

He planted a sapling at Mallasa Park in La Paz under PM Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative and offered floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the same park.

Margherita met with La Paz Mayor Ivan Arias to discuss enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including yoga, culture, healthcare, urban planning, and promoting Gandhian philosophy.

"The visiting Minister Pabitra Margherita was received and honored by Hon’ble Mayor of La Paz, Mr. Ivan Arias, at the historic Palacio Consistorial. Both dignitaries engaged in a warm discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in diverse areas such as yoga, culture, healthcare, urban planning, and the promotion of Gandhian philosophy," reported the Indian Embassy in Bolivia on X.