PM Modi thanks Portugal for backing India's UN Security Council membership bid
PM Modi thanked his Portuguese counterpart for supporting India's permanent membership at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Multilateral Export Control Regime.
In Short
- PM Modi met Portuguese Prime Minister Antonia Costa in Lisbon.
- He thanked his Portugal counterpart for supporting India's permanent membership at UNSC.
- Modi is on a three-nation tour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, today met Portuguese Prime Minister Antonia Costa in Lisbon and thanked him for supporting India's permanent membership at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Multilateral Export Control Regime.
While Costa emphasised on science, which he said is going to be one of the most important areas for cooperation with India in the future, PM Modi said that new agreements in the field of taxation, science, space and youth affairs and sports outline expanding scope of partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi said that the two nations have agreed to set up a joint science and technology fund of four million euros.
He further said that Indian films are being subtitled in Portuguese and a Hindi-Portuguese dictionary is being developed for mutual benefit now. PM Modi added that passion for football runs deep in Portugal and it could form another league of further connect between the two countries.
Talking about terrorism and violent extremism, PM Modi said that both nations are determined to deepen cooperation against it. He also expressed condolences for the victims of forest fire.
Portuguese PM Costa said that while it was maritime link that connected the two nations in the past, now it is the digital link that will join the two countries.
The two leaders also signed MoUs for creation of an India-Portugal Space Alliance and for advancing collaborative research. These agreements will promote India's science and technology partnership with Portugal, towards the establishment of a unique Centre on the Azores Archipelago - the Atlantic International Research Centre.
They also launched a unique startup Portal - the India-Portugal International StartUp Hub (IPISH) - in Lisbon. This is a platform initiated by Startup India and supported by Commerce & Industry Ministry and Startup Portugal to create a mutually supportive entrepreneurial partnership.
ALSO READ:
Ahead of Modi visit, US sees no threat to Pakistan from arms deal with India