New Delhi, Jan 25, IRNA ,French President Nicholas Sarkozy who arrived New Delhi Friday morning said his visit to India would help further boost the partnership between the two countries.
“I would like to express my delight to be here in India, having been invited as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day,” he told reporters after being accorded an impressive ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi.
“I have expressed to the President and to the Prime Minister my warmest thanks for the magnificent welcome that has been extended to us. And to say just how delighted I am to be here to further boost our partnership with the great country…the great civilization that is India,” he said.
Welcoming Sarkozy, President Pratibha Patil said, “We heartily welcome the President of France. It is our honor that he is the Chief Guest at the time of the Republic Day of India. He has been a very great friend and I am sure the visit will strengthen our bilateral ties”.
She said India would like to ink bilateral MoUs in the fields of science and technology and education with France.
“I propose that we have cultural ties also. France is the home of civilization and India is also a great civilization,” she added.
The two sides are expected to discuss ways to enhance trade and business ties during Sarkozy’s two-day maiden visit in New Delhi.
Talks on nuclear cooperation and a multi-billion dollar defence agreement will be the highlight of Sarkozy’s visit.
The two sides will also discuss ways to enhance trade and business ties.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sarkozy will hold talks on a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
After the talks, the two sides will issue a joint statement spelling out a “strategic roadmap” for future cooperation between the two countries.