Bratislava, June 15 (IANS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia on Sunday (local time). Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar welcomed him at the Grand Hotel River Park. PM Modi was welcomed with bread and salt in the traditional Slovakian style.
After reaching Slovakia, PM Modi said that this visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation between the two countries. The prime minister also said he was “looking forward to productive meetings with Slovakia’s President Peter Pellegrini and PM Robert Fico.”
PM Modi wrote on social media platform
On reaching Grand Hotel River Park here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by the Lucnika Ensemble.
According to Slovak culture, guests and important people are welcomed with a small dish of bread and salt. Bread represents prosperity, while salt symbolizes value, friendship and security.
The famous children’s folk group from Myjava region of Slovakia also performed traditional Slovak dance to welcome Prime Minister Modi. Apart from this, Lucnika Ensemble also gave a special presentation on Vande Mataram to welcome the Prime Minister. They also witnessed a spiritual performance by Slovakian musical group, Mahadev Kirtan Project.
Prime Minister Modi also met members of the Indian community in Bratislava. People of the Indian community warmly welcomed PM Modi upon reaching Grand Hotel River Park.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on his official This visit will further strengthen the relations between the two countries and open new avenues of partnership.”
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bratislava on Monday on a two-day official visit to the European country and said that the visit provides an opportunity to further deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.
–IANS
KK/AS