Indian President Droupadi Murmu Visits Serbia’s Memorial of the Unknown Warrior and Signs Key Agreements
Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day state visit to Serbia, laid a wreath on the memorial of the unknown Warrior atop Mountain Avala in Belgrade on Thursday. The memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the Balkan Wars and the First World War.
A Symbol of Friendship and Solidarity
The president was accompanied by her Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic, who welcomed her with a guard of honor. The two leaders paid their respects to the fallen heroes and observed a minute of silence. They also signed the visitors’ book at the memorial.
The president wrote that she was honored to pay homage to the unknown Warrior who represents the courage and sacrifice of the Serbian people. She also expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality and friendship extended by Serbia.
The president’s visit to the memorial is a gesture of solidarity and appreciation for Serbia’s support to India’s freedom struggle. Serbia was one of the first countries to recognize India’s independence in 1947 and also supported India’s candidature for the United Nations Security Council in 1950.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The president’s visit to Serbia is aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries, which share a long history of friendship and cooperation. The president held talks with her Serbian counterpart on various issues of mutual interest, such as trade, investment, culture, education, tourism, defense and security.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields, such as agriculture, health, science and technology, sports and youth affairs. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the G-20.
The president also addressed a joint session of the National Assembly of Serbia and met with the Speaker of the Parliament Ivica Dacic. She also interacted with prominent members of the Indian diaspora in Serbia and visited some cultural and historical sites in Belgrade.
The president will conclude her visit to Serbia on Friday and depart for Slovenia, where she will attend the Bled Strategic Forum. She will also visit Croatia as part of her three-nation tour of Europe.
