India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, space, digital India and people-to-people relationship.
Swaraj, who arrived in Luxembourg on the third leg of her four-nation tour yesterday, became the first external affairs minister from India to visit the European country.
This is the minister's second multi-nation tour this year following a three-nation visit to ASEAN countries Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore in January. During her visit, Swaraj addressed the Indian diaspora at the ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Singapore and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the ASEAN.
Swaraj attended a Reception held in her honour at the Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM), Luxembourg yesterday. On the occasion, celebrated Indian violinist Shri Ambi Subramaniam presented several well-known classical Carnatic music compositions. Belgian cultural collective, ‘Sitardust’, presented the Indian classical dance form of Odissi to the musical accompaniment of Indo-European and Hindustani classical ragas.
She also made a courtesy call on Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri Albert Gabriel Felix Marie Guillaume and exchanged views to further strengthen 70 years old diplomatic relationship between India and Luxembourg, and impart an upward trajectory to our bilateral ties, Kumar said.
Swaraj then had a productive meeting with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn.
The two leaders discussed cooperation in trade and investment, steel and space, and exchanged views on strengthening India-EU relations, Kumar said.
India and Luxembourg are celebrating 70 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations.
On the last leg of her tour, Swaraj will visit Belgium from June 20-23. Her visit will coincide with the ongoing celebration of 70 years of India-Belgium Friendship as well the International Day of Yoga 2018. In Brussels, she will meet. Didier Reynders the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, for discussing India-Belgium bilateral cooperation.
She will also be calling on President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, and will also be meeting the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini. She is also expected to speak at the European Union’s High-Level Event on ‘Climate, Peace and Security – The Time for Action’.
In connection with IDY, the Minister will attend a special Yoga Session at the European Parliament tomorrow at the Yehudi Menuhin Space. Spiritual leader and Yoga Guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, will be leading a meditation session on the occasion.
She will also attend a Reception being held in her honour at the Palais des Beaux-Arts (BOZAR), Brussels. A Violin Concert by Shri. Ambi Subramaniam and troupe will also be held on the occasion. Belgian dance group, ‘Bollylicious’, will present Indian classical and folk performances.
Swaraj arrived in Luxembourg for a two-day visit from France where she met the top French leadership and addressed the Indian diaspora at a reception organised in her honour. Earlier, she had visited Italy on the first leg of her tour.