STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER
ON HIS DEPARTURE FOR RUSSIA, TAJIKISTAN AND SYRIA
The Prime Minister Shri Atal
Bihari Vajpayee, today left for a three-nation tour to Russia,
Tajikistan and Syria from November 11 to 16, 2003.
Following is the text
of the PM’s departure statement.:
"I leave today on bilateral
visits to the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and
the Syrian Arab Republic.
My visit to the Russian
Federation is in keeping with the agreement between our two countries
to have annual summit meetings, so that we can constantly review
and build on the progress in various elements of our strategic
partnership. My discussions with President Putin and other representatives
of the Russian leadership will also cover major global and regional
political and economic developments.
A nearly 100-strong Indian
business delegation will be in Moscow during my visit. I hope
they will establish useful contacts with Russian business and
industry, so that our trade and investment relations can put on
a firm footing even after the Rupee-Rouble arrangement ceases
to operate.
Our relations with Tajikistan
go back to ancient times. It is our closest neighbour in central
Asia. We share the common values of faith in democracy and secularism.
We have had fruitful cooperation in recent years, both bilaterally
and on regional matters.
My visit returns that
of President Rakhmonov in May 2001. I look forward to renewing
contact with the Tajikistan leadership exchanging views on matters
of bilateral interest, as well as international and regional issues.
India sees the Syrian
Arab Republic as an important partner in West Asia. We have had
civilizational contacts and enjoy traditionally friendly ties.
This is the first interaction at the leadership level in nearly
15 years; my visit is therefore timely and important. I am looking
forward to detailed discussions with President Assad on important
bilateral and international issues. My visit will also give us
the useful opportunity of exchanging views on recent developments
in the West Asian region.
