President Kovind thanks Greece for backing India's UNSC seat candidature

Athens [Greece], June 19 (ANI): President Ram Nath Kovind thanked his Greek counterpart Prokopis Pavlopoulos for their consistent support for India's candidature for permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

"Our two countries have common stake in promoting multilateralism and global peace and security. Thank you (Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos) for consistent support for our candidature for permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)," President Ram Nath Kovind said in Athens during a speech delivered at dinner hosted by his Greek counterpart on Monday.

The current permanent members of the UNSC are the United States (US), Russia, France, UK and China.

The visiting president also remarked that India and Greece must redouble their efforts to fight terrorism in all its manifestations, adding that the relationship between the two countries is based on shared values and have stood the test of time.

President Kovind also stressed upon strengthening people to people connection and said that the countries are committed to sustainability.

Earlier in the day, he paid his respects at the Phaleron Commonwealth War Cemetery here.

Mortal remains of Indian soldiers who fought in World War II were laid to rest in this cemetery.

President Kovind held delegation-level talks with his Greek counterpart Prokopis Pavlopoulos in which the two leaders discussed issues of "economic, cultural and political importance".

He also presented a painting of Heliodorus Pillar, erected in the 2nd century by Heliodorus, the Ambassador of Indo-Greek King Antialcidas near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and a sculpture replica of Buddha belonging to Kushan period, 2nd century A.D.

He was accorded a ceremonial reception by his Pavlopoulos.

As part of the two-day visit to Greece, President Kovind also held a one-on-one discussion with opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis and discussed various aspects of India-Greece bilateral ties. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI