SPEECH
BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING
CREDENTIALS FROM MRS. VERA BARROUIN MACHADO, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE
OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL TO INDIA
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27, 1999
Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure
in welcoming you to India as the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of
Brazil.
Despite the physical
distance that separates us, India and Brazil enjoy close and cordial bilateral
relations and are engaged in multifaceted cooperation in both bilateral
and multilateral fora. India and Brazil are committed to the principles
of democracy, non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes and share
common perceptions on a number of international issues.
The scale and character
of our respective economies offer tremendous scope for mutually beneficial
co-operation. They make us, in fact, natural partners in the path of development.
It is in this context, I recall the State visit to India of President Cardoso
and the exchanges we had on the occasion. I have the warmest recollections
of my visit to Brazil in May 1998 and my interaction with its people and
the fruitful exchanges of views with President Cardoso and other leaders
of your country. I have had the opportunity, during my visit to your rich
and beautiful country, to witness at first hand the developmental strides
made by your country and the various possibilities for cooperation between
India and Brazil.
I fully agree with you,
Excellency, that the scope for co-operation between our countries calls
for increased attention. The progress our countries have been able to achieve
in fields like agriculture, science, technology, computer software etc.,
are significant and can be shared to mutual advantage.
I am happy to note that
in your statement you have affirmed that you come here with the special
mission of improving and expanding our bilateral ties. I would like to assure
you that my Government will extend all possible cooperation to you in achieving
your laudable objectives during your tenure in India.
Excellency, I would like
to avail of this opportunity to extend to H.E. President Fernando Henrique
Cardoso and Madame Ruth Cardoso and to the Government and the friendly people
of the Federative Republic of Brazil most cordial and heart felt greetings
on my own behalf as well as on behalf of the Government and people of India.
Finally, Excellency,
I would like to convey to you my very best wishes for a successful tenure
in India.
Thank you
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