SPEECH
BY SHRI K.R.NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE RECEIVING CREDENTIALS FROM MR. LASZLO FODOR,
AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY
NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 23, 2000
Excellency,
It
gives me great pleasure to accept your Credentials as the Ambassador Extrordinary
and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Hungary to India. I warmly welcome
you to India and extend my sincere felicitations on your appointment to
this position of high responsibility.
India’s
relations with the Republic of Hungary have traditionally been close and
friendly and are based on continuity and mutual understanding. Our ties
have been sustained through regular bilateral exchanges at all levels
and reinforced by the tradition of a heightened sense of cultural awareness
over the last century. Study of Indology in Hungary has provided an enduring
basis for the consolidation of people to people relations. If Alexander
Csoma de Korosi spent a major part of his life in India, our national
poet Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore received inspiration and sustenance
on the banks of Lake Balaton. Amrita Shergil and Erzebet Brunner are common
bonds that bind our two nations together.
Excellency,
India is a land of vast diversities strung together by a composite culture
and a uniquely "Indian" way of life. Unity in diversity remains
the central theme of Indian civilisation as it has been over the centuries
of our existence. Respect and tolerance of others have contributed to
the enrichment of our culture and civilisation.
Political
pluralism and democracy were, therefore, natural choices for the leaders
of our freedom struggle. We cherish the principles adopted by the founding
fathers of modern India and remain unwavering in our adherence to them.
As India celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the creation of
its Republic, we take pride in the strength and vibrancy of our democracy,
our political and judicial systems and in our awareness of the primacy
of fundamental and human rights, secularism and equality. We are happy
that over the last decade, democracy has taken firm roots in the Republic
of Hungary. This has introduced an additional element of commonality between
our two countries, which brings us further closer in terms of basic values
and orientation.
India
is currently in the second phase of its economic reforms process. This
has placed the Indian economy firmly on the path of sustained high growth.
We have similarly witnessed a sweeping economic transformation in Hungary.
The transition to a market economy, oriented towards progressively greater
integration with the world economy, is a common feature in the policies
of both India and Hungary. The economic changes in our respective countries
have opened new avenues for our bilateral cooperation. These opportunities
must be used to build upon, diversify and expand our established economic
links. On our part we remain committed to developing multi-faceted and
mutually beneficial relations with Hungary and would support all initiatives
which would give greater impetus to the interaction between our two countries;
commercial & economic and scientific & technological.
Excellency,
in the beginning of the new millennium we see the globe shrinking in distance
and time as we build upon a common civilisational home. While doing so,
we are confronted by the major challenges of international terrorism,
religious extremism and drugs trafficking. I am confident of the commitment
of India and Hungary in jointly overcoming this international menace to
secure a stable and prosperous future for the people of the world and
the succeeding generations.
Excellency,
we know you as a good friend of India and as one seriously interested
in the intensification of our bilateral ties under modern circumstances.
I would like to assure you the full cooperation and support of the Government
of India in your endeavours in that direction. I wish you a successful
and productive stay in India and every success in your many responsibilities
as the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary to India. I also take this
opportunity to convey through you my best wishes for the continued good
health and happiness of His Excellency Mr. Ferenc Madl, President of the
Republic of Hungary. On your National Day today, I also send greetings
and best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people
of Hungary.
Thank you
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