President Ram Nath Kovind says India's ties with Greece are ancient

President Ram Nath Kovind said that India's ties with Greece are very ancient and special. India reaffirms to deepen and strengthen them. In the present times, the growth story of India has created new opportunities, he added. He was speaking at the Banquet organised in his honour by the Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos at Athens yesterday.

Mr Kovind is on a three-nation tour to Greece, Suriname and Cuba. He is leaving for Suriname today at the end of a four-day visit to Greece. He is accompanied by a delegation including Minister of state for steel Vishnu Sri Sai and two Members of Parliament.

The President further thanked Greece for its consistent support to India for permanent membership of the UN Security



Council. He sought collaboration in fighting the menace of terrorism. 

As far as economic ties between India and Greece are concerned, Mr Kovind said that the two countries can collaborate in areas like shipping and tourism and also increase their bilateral trade, especially in fruit and agro-processing. He emphasised on improving people to people contact. He mentioned collaboration between the two countries in areas such as the film industry.

President Kovind will be addressing an India- Greek Business Forum meeting at Athens today before leaving for Suriname. He will also address an event organised by the Hellenic Foundation for Europe and Foreign Policy at Zappio.