Tour to European countries meaningful and productive: Patil

“My visit to these two countries was intended to consolidate our rapidly developing relations with Europe and the European Union. These are countries with whom we face common challenges and a common determination to strengthen the forces of peace,security and development. I am particularly happy that our objectives have been fulfilled,” the President told reporters on her way back from her last stop of Krakow.

Asked about the response of leaders of both the countries over Indias concern on “cross-border terrorism”,Patil said,”I am very much satisfied. They responded very positively. They fully supported India. They condemned it (the Mumbai attacks)…. And were of the opinion that international community should come together and fight terrorism. They also quite appreciated the stand of India.”

“I also had a detailed exchange of views with the leadership in Spain and Poland on the situation in our respective regions and agreed to strengthen our already useful cooperation in multi lateral organisations,especially the United Nations,” Patil said.

Making strong efforts to project India as the destination for investments,especially in the present global financial crisis,the Indian delegation,also comprising businessmen,held parleys with the business groups there with Patil addressing the groups of entrepreneurs in both the countries.

“The composite team of businessmen that accompanied me,I understand,had useful and productive discussions with their counterparts in Spain and Poland and that are expected to lead to concrete business.

“What is particularly important is that in both countries,the governments have promised to lend strong support to the further development of the trade and economic partnerships,” she said.

India signed three agreements with Spain in the field of tourism,renewable energy and agriculture and two with Poland in the area of tourism and healthcare and medicine.

These MoUs provided for both technological expertise as well as investments in these sectors.

The President also extended invitations to the King and Queen of Spain,the President of Poland and the Prime Ministers of both the countries to visit India.

“These invitations have been accepted and mutually convenient dates will be agreed for their visits to India after the new government has assumed office,” Patil said.