Speeches / Statements
Remarks by EAM at Press Conference at Prague
29/06/2009
Addressing the media upon conclusion of the 20th India - EU Ministerial Troika meeting at Prague on 29 June 2009, EAM said:
“May I at the outset, thank the Czech Presidency for the warm hospitality that has been extended to me and to my delegation which is here in this beautiful city of Prague for the 20th India-EU Ministerial level Troika meeting.
This afternoon, I have had useful and constructive discussions with the Czech Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Kohout, the EC Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Ms Benita Ferrreo Waldner, (ENP), Ms. Helga Schmid, Representative of the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and the incoming Swedish Presidency.
India and EU have a strategic partnership. We greatly value our interactions with the EU leadership, which have intensified and diversified to cover all areas of bilateral engagement and regional and international issues. The 20th Troika Ministerial Meeting, which is the first high level bilateral political interaction between India and EU after the formation of a new government in India, has a special significance. We believe that India and the EU are indispensable elements in a multi-polar structure and our strategic partnership, based on shared values and commitment to democracy, freedom, pluralism and multilateralism will be important in addressing the daunting challenges.
Today, we shared assessments of our respective regions and also exchanged perspectives on global issues including the current international financial crisis, need for reform of international institutions, including the United Nations, energy, climate change and terrorism.
Since the 9th India-EU Summit held in Marseille, the two sides have sustained the momentum by holding regular interactions. We were able to take stock of the progress in the areas identified under the reviewed Joint Action Plan (JAP) signed during the last Summit. The progress made under JAP has been satisfying and also encouraging. Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to further intensify our consultations and diversify and strengthen our economic and trade ties.
The holding of annual Summits between India and the EU reflects the importance both sides place on this relationship. The Troika Meeting also serves as a preparatory to the Summit and in this context I am very pleased to announce that we have agreed to the date proposed by the EU - November 06, 2009 – for the next India-EU Summit to be held in New Delhi.
My discussions today with my EU interlocutors have reinforced our conviction that India-EU relations will continue to grow and diversify on the basis of the many synergies and complementarities that exist between us. We are hopeful that our deliberations today and the decisions taken will play a critical role in realizing the full potential of the India-EU Partnership.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Czech Presidency for their valuable contribution in strengthening India –EU relations and also warmly welcome Sweden, the incoming Presidency of the EU.