AMN

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on President of European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels last evening. MEA Spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar said in tweet that the two leaders exchanged views on progress made on the understandings reached during the last India-EU Summit in 2017. He said, India and EU are strategic and natural partners with common values. Mrs Swaraj, who reached Belgian capital Brussels last evening on the last leg of her four nation tour, also called on President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani. Mr Kumar said that excellent discussions were held between two of the world’s largest democracies to enhance cooperation across different sectors, including parliamentary exchanges.

Mrs Swaraj will meet her Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders to further solidify bilateral ties, said MEA spokesperson.

Before arriving in Brussels, Mrs Swaraj was in Luxembourg where she had a meeting with the Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn. External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the minister discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and digital and space sectors.

Addressing an event in Luxembourg Mr Swaraj said India’s close and cordial friendship with Luxembourg is based on a firm foundation of shared values and common interests. She said the trust-based relationship between both the country stems from respect for freedom, democratic principles, and rule of law.

India and Luxembourg are currently celebrating 70 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations.