SPEECH BY SHRI K R NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CREDENTIALS FROM DR. CEDOMIR STRBAC, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIS OF YUGOSLAVIA TO INDIA

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

Excellency,

It gives me great pleasure to accept your credentials as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to India. I extend a warm welcome to you as the first Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to India.

India's relations with Yugoslavia have traditionally been characterized by warmth and goodwill, and have deep roots in history. Our contacts date back to the 18th century and there has been a long-standing interest in Yugoslavia in Indology and Indian culture. The relationship between us was further strengthened by the personal bonds of friendship between Pandit Nehru and President Tito, who were founders of the Nonaligned Movement.

Our bilateral contacts continued even during the period of UN sanctions against your country. It is a matter of satisfaction that our relations now stand upgraded to Ambassadorial level. We feel particularly encouraged by the recent intensification of our bilateral exchanges after the lifting of UN sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia with effect from 1st October 1996. Transitional difficulties in our ties arising out of such sanctions have now been left well behind and we look forward to a period of rapid growth in our cooperation in all spheres to the benefit of our two countries and peoples.

Excellency, India has nurtured, sustained and strengthened its democratic traditions and institutions for over half a century. The pluralistic character of our society has contributed to the building of a dynamic and multifaceted India. We take pride in being the largest democracy in the world and remain unswerving in our commitment to the principles of political pluralism and democracy adopted by the founding fathers of modern India. It is only natural therefore, that we have welcomed and supported the transition of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to a multi-party democracy. This has brought us closer together in terms of basic values, aspirations and orientation. We are also happy that a measure of normalcy has returned to the Yugoslav region and that democratic processes are underway in all its parts.

We in India, have followed with interest the economic reforms recently undertaken by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in an effort to invigorate its economy. Over the last few years India too has pursued a programme of economic reforms, deregulation and liberalisation. These measures have put the Indian economy on a path of sustained and high economic growth. The economic changes in our respective countries have opened new avenues for our bilateral interaction. We need to exploit the untapped potential for such cooperation and impart even greater vigour and content to our bilateral relations. I am confident that your efforts while in India would contribute to a further strengthening of our close and friendly bilateral ties in all spheres.

Excellency, availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to assure you of the full cooperation and support of the Government of India on all issues relating to our bilateral relations. While wishing you a pleasant and fruitful stay in India, I would like to convey through you my best wishes for the health and happiness of His Excellency President Milosevic and for the prosperity and well-being of the friendly people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Thank you