President Murmu had on Wednesday arrived in Serbia on a three-day state visit in the second leg of her two-nation tour. She had earlier visited Suriname…reports Asian Lite News
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that India and Serbia are ancient lands and in the modern era, India’s relations with the Balkan country were particularly defined in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement.
India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other’s core interests, she said, adding that based on this bilateral foundation, she would look forward to interacting with the Serbian leadership during the visit.
The President said this while interacting with the Indian community and “Friends of India” at a community reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Sanjiv Kohli in Belgrade.
President Murmu had on Wednesday arrived in Serbia on a three-day state visit in the second leg of her two-nation tour. She had earlier visited Suriname.
She further said in her address that Serbia has been a valuable partner in India’s sustainable development cooperation programmes.
On the global stage, the President stressed that India is recognised as a responsible development partner, a first responder, and a voice of the global South.
Each of these aspects reflects our quest towards becoming a leading power, she said.
The President also referred to the leading role played by India on the issues related to climate action, counter-terrorism, connectivity, maritime security, financial inclusion and food security.
‘Film destination for Indian filmmakers’
President Murmu said that Serbia has emerged as a new film destination for Indian filmmakers.
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on Wednesday, Droupadi Murmu said that she has been told Indian movies have been popular in Serbia. “I am told Indian movies have been popular in Serbia, and Serbia has emerged as a new film destination for Indian filmmakers. Many Serbians also have a deep affinity for India’s spiritual heritage, including Yoga. I am also told that Ayurveda is recognized here as a system for cure and treatment,” she said.
She further said that India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other’s core interests.
Expressing her gratitude to the friends of India in Serbia and the love and adulation that she has received, the President underlined that their contribution to building friendship and understanding between Serbia and India is crucial.
Pointing out India’s role as a first responder, a voice of the global south and a responsible development partner, President Murmu said Serbia has been a valuable partner in India’s sustainable development cooperation programmes.
“Each of these aspects reflects our quest towards becoming a leading power,” she added.
President Droupadi Murmu reached Belgrade, Serbia, earlier on Wednesday, in the final leg of her two-nation visit to Suriname and Serbia.
The ongoing visit by President Murmu marks the first such visit by an Indian head of state to Serbia. In a special gesture, she was received by the Serbian President
Aleksandar Vucic, and accorded a guard of honour at the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade.
From the airport, the President travelled to Gandijeva Street where he paid his respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI)
