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Tribune, 01-06-2017
Posted at: Jun 1, 2017, 1:48 AM; last updated: Jun 1, 2017, 1:48 AM (IST)
India, Spain flay selective fight against terror
Cooperation in organ transplantation, cyber security, renewable energy among seven agreements signed
PM Narendra Modi shakes hands with Spain’s King Felipe VI at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. AP/PTI
Simran Sodhi
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today landed in Madrid, on the second leg of his four-nation tour of Europe, after wrapping a successful visit to Germany.
The PM held talks with Spanish President Mariano Rajoy in the morning and seven agreements were later signed between the two countries. The joint statement issued at the end of the PM’s visit highlighted many of the areas where both nations shared common views.
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The emphasis was on fighting terrorism, particularly in light of the recent attacks in Manchester. “The two leaders called on the international community to end selective or partial approaches to combating terrorism and jointly called for early finalisation and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UNGA,” said the statement.
The PM thanked the Spanish President for his country’s support for India’s membership of the MTCR. President Rajoy expressed Spain’s continued support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group.
For PM Modi, the Europe tour offers an excellent opportunity to discuss and seek support for India’s membership bid to the elite NSG. The next plenary session of the NSG would be held in June in Bern where India’s case for membership would come up for discussions again.
In an interview to Spanish newspaper Expansion, the PM urged Spanish firms to come and invest in India as the country was witnessing strong economic growth. “Spanish firms enjoy a worldwide reputation in various fields, such as infrastructure, defence, tourism and energy. These sectors have also been identified by my government as priority sectors,” Modi said.
Five MoUs were signed between the two nations on cooperation in organ transplantation, cyber security, renewable energy, civil aviation and one between India’s Foreign Service Institute and Diplomatic Academy of Spain. Pacts on transfer of sentenced persons and visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders were also signed.
Modi heads to Russia; Afghan crisis on agenda
· Against the backdrop of the deadly attack in Kabul on Wednesday, PM Modi lands in Russia on Wednesday night on the third leg of his four-nation tour of Europe
· In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the situation in Afghanistan will be a priority issue
· Another parallel development is the Kabul Process Conference which is to be held next week in Kabul
· At least 20 countries are expected to participate
· Pakistan has indicated it, too, will attend the conference that is primarily aimed at finding ways to resolve the Afghanistan crisis
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/india-spain-flay-selective-fight-against-terror/415729.html