SPEECH
BY SHRI K.R.NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE RECEIVING CREDENTIALS FROM MR. OLEH E. SEMENETS,
AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF UKRAINE
NEW DELHI, JUNE 6, 2001
Excellency,
It
gives me great pleasure to accept your Credentials as the Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to India. Please accept my felicitations
on your appointment to this high position. I extend a warm welcome to
you and hope that you will have an enjoyable and successful stay here.
India
and Ukraine have traditionally shared close and friendly ties. There have
been substantial bilateral contacts right since the days of the erstwhile
USSR. There is mutual goodwill at the people-to-people level. Indian culture
and philosophy have a considerable following in Ukraine. There are several
Indian students studying in Ukrainian Institutes and Universities. We
are well aware of Ukraine’s strength in heavy engineering and infrastructure
related industries. These factors have contributed significantly in the
development of mutually beneficial ties.
Since
the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, we
have been able to strengthen our ties through exchange of visits at the
political and official levels. Initiation of cooperation between our Parliaments
would impart an additional dimension to our political ties.
Though
our trade and economic cooperation is satisfactory, there is scope for
further improvement in this area. In this connection, the role of the
Indo-Ukrainian Joint Commission and Joint Business Council assumes prominence.
Our cooperation in the spheres of science & technology and culture
is progressing to mutual satisfaction. Indo-Ukrainian Friendship Societies
have also helped in creating interest in each other’s culture.
We
have watched with friendly interest the democratisation of polity and
the ushering of market reforms in Ukraine. Our shared ideals of building
up a democratic society has brought us closer. The Indian economy has
been growing at a healthy rate and we have emerged amongst the ten fastest
growing economies in the world. We must take advantage of these developments
taking place in our respective countries that have thrown up new opportunities
of cooperation between us.
Indian
foreign policy seeks to build a world order that is just, equitable and
fair. We believe that such a global order should be based on the principles
of democracy, sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.
Unfortunately, we are today confronted with new challenges of international
terrorism, narco-terrorism, arms trade, religious extremism and separatism.
All these menaces threaten global peace, security and stability. It is
necessary for the world community not only to effectively address these
dangers but also to eliminate them. India and Ukraine can join hands in
this international endeavour in order to leave behind a world that is
safer and more secure for generations to come.
Excellency,
as you assume your high office in our country, I would like to assure
you full cooperation and support of the Government of India on all issues
pertaining to our bilateral relations. I also take this opportunity to
convey through you my best wishes for the good health and success of His
Excellency Mr. Leonid Kuchma, President of Ukraine and for the progress,
prosperity and well being of the people of Ukraine.
Thank you
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