17-04-2008 : Mexico City, Mexico
Buenos Dias. Es un gran honor estar aqui en Mexico.
(Good Morning. It is an honour to be here in Mexico)
Our two countries are ancient civilizations that have had very useful and productive contact in the past. We remember with great appreciation the important role that Mexican wheat played in India's 'Green Revolution' in the 1960s.
My visit to this beautiful country is in response to an invitation conveyed to me by President Calderon when he paid a State Visit to India in September last year. The importance that our two countries attach to our bilateral relations was underlined during his visit by our decision to enter into a 'Privileged Partnership'. My current visit is in pursuance of this new partnership and I am confident that our cooperation in coming months and years will significantly develop and diversify.
I have had extended discussions with President Calderon, on the state of our bilateral relations and our cooperation in international fora. As two vibrant democracies that are multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural, we face similar situations and challenges. It is, therefore, no surprise that our points of view, objectives and approaches are similar on most issues.
The trade and economic aspect of our partnership provides a critical underpinning to the overall edifice of our relations. We have agreed that bilateral trade and investment needs to grow. This is a challenge that we have placed before our businessmen and industrialists. The opportunities are enormous and we will, no doubt, achieve further success in this endeavour.
A number of useful agreements have been signed earlier today. These will help develop our cooperation in practical terms.
Regular interaction at the highest political level is an important component of our evolving Privileged Partnership. I have invited President Calderon and Madam Margarita Zavala de Calderon to pay an official visit to India.
Before I conclude, I must thank President Calderon, the Government and people of Mexico for the friendship and very warm hospitality that my delegation has received since our arrival. We feel completely at home in Mexico. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey, greetings and best wishes from the people of India to the people of Mexico, y deseo paz, prosperidad y exito para Mexico.
( and I wish peace, prosperity and success to Mexico)
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