Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for his first state visit to Bharat. Welcomed by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi, Mitsotakis is set to play a significant role as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, scheduled from February 21-23.
During his visit, Mitsotakis met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, emphasizing their mutual commitment to strengthening ties between Bharat and Greece. Jaishankar expressed delight in calling on Prime Minister Mitsotakis and underscored the importance of enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Accompanied by a delegation of senior officials and business leaders, Mitsotakis aims to bolster cooperation between India and Greece across various sectors. This visit marks a significant milestone, being the first bilateral Head of State or Head of Government level visit from Greece to Bharat in 15 years.
In a notable development, the relationship between Bharat and Greece was elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece in August 2023. Mitsotakis’s visit is expected to further solidify and deepen this strategic partnership, opening avenues for enhanced collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
During his stay, Mitsotakis is scheduled to receive a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honor of the visiting dignitary, providing a platform for substantive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Ahead of Mitsotakis’s arrival, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis met with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, focusing on enhancing cooperation not only between India and Greece but also within the broader context of India-Europe relations.
The significance of Mitsotakis’s visit lies not only in fostering bilateral ties but also in exploring avenues for collaboration in multilateral forums. With engagements planned in both New Delhi and Mumbai, the visit underscores the mutual desire of both nations to explore new opportunities for partnership and cooperation across various sectors.
As Mitsotakis prepares to wrap up his visit and return to Athens, the stage is set for India and Greece to further strengthen their strategic partnership, laying the foundation for enhanced collaboration and mutual prosperity in the years to come.
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