Former Prime Minister of India - Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER SHRI ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE

I visited Lisbon from 27 to 29 June, 2000 to join the leaders of the European Union at the first ever Summit held between India and the European Union. The Summit was attended on the European side by the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr. Antonio Guterres; the Secretary General / High Representatives for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Javier Solana and the president of the European Commission, Mr. Romano Prodi. I was assisted by External Affairs Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh; Finance Minister Shri Yashwant Sinha; Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Murasoli Maran and Minister for Information Technology, Shri Pramod Mahajan.

The India-EU Summit was a historic event, which symbolised the goal of India and the European Union to build a new strategic partnership based on common values and aspirations.

I shared with the European leaders our perception that terrorism remained a major threat to international peace and stability.

In this context, I drew the attention of the European leaders the threats faced by India from cross border terrorism and of the dangers posed by extremists religious groups which were spreading intolerance and violence within our region. The EU extended full support for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism sponsored by India.

We agreed on the importance of sustaining a dialogue between our respective civil societies. An Indo-EU Round Table comprising of eminent non-official personalities on both sides and a network of Think Tanks will be established as a part of this dialogue.

On the economic side, we agreed to elevate our co-operation through the enhancement of trade and investment. The EU agreed to encourage larger flows of Foreign Direct Investment especially in the infrastructure sector.

Following our discussions, the EU announced that an additional textile quota of 3500 tonnes would be released for India under exceptional flexibility. Discussions would continue on prospects of further release of textile quotas under this provision.

An agreement was concluded with the EU for financing infrastructure projects in the field of civil aviation.

We found common ground in our discussions on environment issues and agreed that a Joint Working Group on Environment would be set up.

We agreed on institutional arrangement for carrying forward the India-EU dialogue. The summits will take place hereafter on a regular basis. I invited the European leaders to the next summit which will take place in India next year. Annual dialogues will also be held at the level of the External Affairs Minister and other Ministers, as also the meetings between the senior officials on both sides.

My visit to Lisbon was also utilised for a bilateral dialogue with Portugal. I had detailed discussions with President Sampiao and Prime Minister Guterres, which covered bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest.

With Portugal, we have transcended our colonial past and entered into a new relationship based on mutual respect and appreciation. In the recent past, visits have taken place to Portugal of our President, the Vice President and the External Affairs Minister. During our stay, I and my colleagues experienced the exceptional warmth and the hospitality of the Portuguese leaders and the people.

Portugal has endorsed India’s legitimate claim for joining the Security Council as a permanent member. There was equally strong support for India’s initiative for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

We agreed to strengthen our economic ties. Portugal expressed appreciation of our economic progress in recent years, especially in areas like Information Technology. It was agreed that a Joint Working Group would be set up on Information Technology.

A Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) was signed with Portugal during my visit.

The Portuguese leaders made warm references to India’s emergence as a global player. We shared perceptions on multi-polarity and agreed to work closely together for International Peace and Prosperity.

I invited the President and the Prime Minister of Portugal to visit India. It was agreed that the dates of the visits would be decided on the basis of mutual convenience.

I am convinced that my visits to Italy and Portugal have further strengthened the bonds of friendship and co-operation between India and the European Union.

I had an extremely productive discussion with President Ciampi and PM D’Amato on a range of regional and international issues of common interest. Italy appreciated our concerns on cross border terrorism and expressed support for our draft Convention oon Inter-national Terrorism. I sensitised the Italian leadership with regard to our security and strategic concerns.

Italy is also appreciative of our economic reforms programme and would like to improve and increase trade with India. An agreement on tourism was signed. Italy is greatly interested in our expertise in IT.