President Patil foresees fruitful ties with UK

On Board Special Aircraft, Nov 1 (ANI): President Pratibha atil, who returned from seven-day state Visit to United Kingdom nd Cyprus on Sunday, said she has witnessed the desire and ommitment from the British interlocutors across the political pectrum to diversify and strengthen ties between the UK and ndia.

Speaking to reporters on board special aircraft, Patil said she as received enthusiasm from UK interlocutors across the entire olitical spectrum for further strengthening and diversifying the ies between our two countries.

"I saw desire and commitment on the part of UK interlocutors cross the entire political spectrum for further strengthening he ties between our two countries. I reciprocated with full easure," she added.

She said her visit would give an impetus to the bilateral ties.

"My visit to UK was a reiteration of our strong commitment to the trategic partnership and our desire to further consolidate this mportant relationship," she added.

She had lead a high-level delegation including representatives of he Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of ndian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the ssociated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) ith her.

Queen Elizabeth, as head of the Commonwealth, presented to resident Patil the baton and flagged off the baton relay for the ommonwealth Games to be hosted in India in 2010.

She met President of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias during the econd leg of her two-nation tour.

"He (Cypriot President) indicated that India could count on yprus as a reliable friend of India in the EU," Patil said.

Patil was the first Indian head of state to visit Cyprus in last 0 years.

An agreement was also signed between India and Cyprus for solar nergy cooperation, entailing an investment of approximately 50 illion Euros. (ANI)