SPEECH
BY SHRI K. R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING
THE CREDENTIALS FROM MR. WALTER MARQUEZ, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE
OF THE REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA TO INDIA
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 23,
1999
Excellency,
I am delighted to welcome
you to India as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic
of Venezuela.
India and Venezuela share
close and cordial relations and enjoy mutually beneficial cooperation. Our
two countries also share a strong commitment to the principles of democracy
and the use of peaceful means to settle international disputes. As co-members
of the Non Aligned Movement and the G - 15 we hold common views on major
international issues such as the restructuring of the UN Security Council
and the need for a more equitable and just international economic order.
Excellency, in the current period after the end of the Cold War the need
for our countries to work together to strengthen the movement of the Non-aligned
and the developing countries is even greater than before in order to preserve
international equilibrium in a pluralistic world.
During the last forty
years of our diplomatic relations we have benefited from a constructive
partnership both bilaterally and multilaterally. The number of high level
contacts, as enumerated in your own speech, is a standing testimony to our
interactions. The strides we have taken in our bilateral cooperation, characterised
by the various agreements we have signed so far, are the results of our
efforts to raise the level of bilateral cooperation to its optimum level.
However, considering the potential for our economies and the numerous avenues
available for cooperation, as very rightly emphasised in your speech, there
undoubtedly remains great scope for the enhancement of our bilateral relationship.
This is even more pertinent in the context of the economic reform programmes
undertaken by both countries.
Excellency, we are following
keenly the events in Venezuela since President Chavez took office in February
1999. The President's initiative in carrying out thoroughgoing reforms in
your country's socio-economic and political systems is of great interest
to the international community. We are also aware of the active role being
played by Mrs. Marisabel Chavez as a member of the newly elected Constituent
Assembly. I sincerely hope that both President Chavez and Mrs. Chavez would
be able to visit India and help to consolidate further our strong bilateral
relations.
I take this opportunity,
Excellency, to assure you of my Government's full cooperation in the discharge
of your duties in India. I am aware of your keen personal interest in Indian
philosophy and literature, the special regard you have towards my country
and your role, while being a member of the Venezuelan Congress, in nurturing
the links between Venezuela and India. These qualifications, along with
the clear words of determination expressed by you in respect of promoting
and diversifying our bilateral cooperation, augur well for the future of
Indo-Venezuelan relations.
I wish Your Excellency
every success and personal happiness during your tenure. I also avail this
occasion to convey through you to His Excellency President Hugo Chavez,
my most cordial greetings and my best wishes for the progress and prosperity
of the people of Venezuela.
Thank you
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