ATHENS: Joint Press Release during Visit of External Affairs Minister to Athens

ATHENS: At
the invitation of the Minister of Foreign affairs of the Hellenic Republic,
H.E. Mr. Nikos Dendias, the Minister of External Affairs of India, H.E. Dr. S.
Jaishankar, paid an official visit to Greece on 25-27 June 2021. On the
occasion of the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, the External Affairs
Minister conveyed felicitations of the President and the Prime Minister of
India to the Government and the people of Greece.

During the visit, the External Affairs Minister paid a courtesy call on H.E.
Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, and had bilateral talks with
his counterpart, H.E. Mr. Nikos Dendias. He also unveiled the statue of Mahatma
Gandhi in Athens on 26 June 2021. The statue will act as a strong symbol of
friendship between the two countries.

India and Greece enjoy close and friendly relations which have been
strengthened by the shared values of democracy, rule of law, pluralism,
equality, freedom of speech and respect for human rights.

Both sides had a comprehensive exchange of views on further consolidating the
bilateral relations, which continue to deepen and expand rapidly. Both sides
noted with satisfaction the ongoing cooperation in several areas, such as,
trade and investment, science and technology, culture, academics and
people-to-people contact and agreed to work together to further enhance
collaboration in these areas. It was also agreed that the next round of Foreign
Office Consultations and Joint Trade Committee would be held soon. Both sides
also agreed to work towards the establishment of a Strategic Partnership.

The Greek Foreign Minister signed and handed over the Agreement on the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) to the Indian side. The External Affairs
Minister of India welcomed Greece to the family of the ISA. Both sides agreed
that this will assist the two countries in realisation of the energy goals set
by the respective governments to make renewable energy a significant part of
the energy supply.

In the globalized world, both sides noted the importance of movement of people
in an orderly and legal way and agreed to work towards and signing an agreement
on migration and mobility.

Considering their rich ancient past, the two sides agreed to continue their
relationship in the field of culture. Both sides reiterated the importance of
signing the Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2021-2025 at an early
date.

Both sides also shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest
in the context of new geo-political and geo-economic realities, including the
Indo-Pacific. Both sides noted with satisfaction the convergence of
each-others’ vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific
ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region.

Both sides discussed the recent developments pertaining to the Eastern
Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya.

Both sides agreed that the rule of law and respect for sovereignty and
territorial integrity are fundamental principles of international relations
that must be observed by all.

Both countries recognised the threat posed by radicalization, violent
extremism, as well as terrorism, including cross border terrorism. They
emphasized that there can be no justification for these in any form or
manifestation.

Both sides conveyed their deep commitment to multilateralism, and a rules-based
international order. They reaffirmed the importance of the urgent reform of the
UN, including UNSC expansion, and other multilateral institutions so as to make
them more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of
contemporary geopolitical realities. Greek side reiterated its support for
permanent membership of India in a reformed UNSC.

Both sides discussed the Covid-19 situation globally and the process of
economic recovery. They agreed on the need for joint efforts to combat the
disease and to work together for consolidating economic and commercial
activities during and immediately after the pandemic.

The Indian side expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to them
by the Greek side. The Indian side extended an invitation to Foreign Minister
of Greece to visit India at a mutually convenient date.