President Pranab Mukherjee has said that terrorism and extremism emanating from the neighborhoods of India and Belarus remains a major security threat for both the countries. He was speaking at the State University of Belarus in Minsk last night after being conferred the Professorship, Honoris Causa. The President said, the challenge requires greater co-operation among all countries and clarity of purpose. He said, co-operation between India and Belarus in the UN and other multilateral fora, including the Non-Aligned Movement, has been close and fruitful.
Referring to the promotion of relations in different fields, Mr Mukherjee expressed the hope that the trade between the two countries will reach 1 billion US dollars by the year 2020. He said, granting of Market Economy status to Belarus will also be a significant step in this direction. Mr Mukherjee said that he is deeply touched by the gesture. He said that he takes it as a reflection of the warmth of the people of Belarus towards his country and for him.
The President also inaugurated a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the prestigious University premises. Mr Mukherjee also met Belarus Prime Minister Alexander Vladimir and discussed different aspects of bilateral relationship. The President also addressed a reception hosted by the Indian Ambassador in Belarus.
Earlier, speaking at the luncheon hosted by Belarus President Alexander V. Lukashenko, Mr Mukherjee appreciated Belarus for its support to India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council and in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. He also thanked them for supporting the Indian proposal to declare June 21st as International Yoga Day.
India and Belarus also signed six agreements to enhance bilateral co-operation. These include agreement on Textiles, protocol to amend the agreement between two countries to avoid double taxation, MoU between Prasar Bharati and National State TV and Radio company of Belarus Broadcasting Corporation in the presence of Mr Mukherjee and his Belarussian Counterpart.