Bratislava [Slovakia], April 9 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu held a meeting with her Slovakian counterpart Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava on Wednesday. The two leaders reviewed various facets of bilateral ties and agreed to work towards strengthening the bilateral ties across various sectors.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, 'President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn & President @PellegriniP_ held productive talks in Bratislava. The leaders reviewed various facets of India - Slovakia relations & agreed to work towards strengthening the bilateral partnership across diverse sectors.'

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1909906157252067380

During the meeting with Pellegrini, President Murmu noted the rising popularity of Indian art and culture in Slovakia. She spoke about the immense potential for the two nations to collaborate more closely in the rapidly expanding media, entertainment and creative economy sectors of India. She invited Slovakia to participate actively in the upcoming WAVE Summit set to be hosted by India in Mumbai from May 1-4.

Both leaders witnessed the exchange of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), one on cooperation in the field of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) between NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency and another on cooperation between SSIFS and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

In a post on X, the President Secretariat stated, 'President Droupadi Murmu discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and issues of shared global and regional interests with President Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic during one-to-one meeting and delegation-level talks. The participants in delegation-level talks from Indian side included the accompanying Minister of State, Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya as well as Members of Parliament, Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray and senior officials. The President appreciated the personal commitment and initiative of President Pellegrini towards strengthening bilateral relations. Both leaders witnessed the exchange of two MoUs, one on cooperation in the field of MSMEs between NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency and another on cooperation between SSIFS and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.'

'During her meeting with President of Slovak Republic H.E. Peter Pellegrini, President Murmu noted the rising popularity of Indian art and culture in Slovakia. She highlighted the immense potential for the two countries to collaborate more closely in the rapidly expanding media, entertainment and creative economy sectors of India, including promotion of Slovakia as a filming destination and a partner in joint film production. She invited Slovakia to take part actively in the upcoming WAVE Summit being hosted by India in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May, 2025,' it added.

https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1909907914300473734

Earlier in the day, President Murmu was received by President Peter Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. President's Secretariat said President Murmu was accorded a traditional welcome as per Slavic traditions and accorded Guard of Honour.

In a post on X, President's Secretariat wrote, 'President Droupadi Murmu was received by President Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. She was extended a traditional Slovak welcome with bread and salt by a couple in folk dress. The President was accorded a ceremonial welcome with the Guard of Honour.'

President Murmu arrived in Slovakia at the invitation of Pellegrini. It is the first visit by an Indian president to Slovakia in 29 years. She arrived in Slovakia after completing the first leg of her visit in Portugal.

Earlier, President Murmu visited Portugal at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. 'A fruitful State visit to Portugal concludes. President Droupadi Murmu emplanes for the next leg of her tour, Slovak Republic,' the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X.

During her visit to Portugal, President Droupadi Murmu was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Portuguese Parliament, where she was warmly received by the President of Assembleia da Republica, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco.

During her visit to the Portuguese legislature, President Murmu met with the Portuguese delegation, signed the official book of honour, and held a meeting with the cabinet of the President of Assembleia da Republica, reaffirming the shared commitment between the two nations to deepen bilateral ties. (ANI)