President visits Spain, Poland to improve bilateral ties

New Delhi, Apr 19 (PTI) President Pratibha Patil will
embark on a week-long visit to Spain and Poland starting
Monday during which a number of bilateral agreements are
expected to be signed to further strengthen India's relation
with these European countries.

This will be the first-ever State visit by an Indian
President to Spain and the fourth such visit to Poland.

Economic issues and fight against terrorism are expected
to dominate the discussions between Patil and her counterparts
in those countries, specially with Spain being victims of
terrorism.

Patil will be accompanied by Minister of State for
Industrial Policy and Promotion Ashwani Kumar and a business
delegation comprising members of Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FICCI) and Associated Chambers of Commerce and
Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Besides meeting business delegations in Spain and Poland,
the President will also address the Indian community members
there.

"President's visit to Spain and Poland will not only
improve bilateral ties with these two nations but also with
the European Union," an official said.

Underlining the importance of both the countries, which
are instrumental in helping India to further strengthen the
growing partnership with the EU, the official said Spain will
hold the EU Presidency next year at the time when India will
hold the Troika meeting at the ministerial level. PTI PYK
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