Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left for Poland, where he will hold talks with his counterpart Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further boost bilateral ties. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years.
PM Modi's visit comes as India and Poland mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister described Poland as a key economic partner in Central Europe and said he will interact with the Indian community there.
"My visit to Poland comes as we mark 70 years of our diplomatic relations. Poland is a key economic partner in Central Europe. Our mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism further reinforces our relationship," he said.
"I look forward to meeting my friend Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further advance our partnership. I will also engage with the members of the vibrant Indian community in Poland," he said.
From Poland, PM Modi travel to Ukraine on a 'Rail Force One' train, which global leaders like US President Joe Biden, have travelled on, and meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine and also the first after Russia invaded the country in February 2022.
PM Modi called Ukraine a "friend" and a "partner" and expressed hope that peace and stability returns soon.
"From Poland, I will be visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine. I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict," he said.
"As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region. I am confident that the visit will serve as a natural continuation of extensive contacts with the two countries and help create the foundation for stronger and more vibrant relations in the years ahead," he further said.
Source: India Today