New Delhi: Switzerland President Doris Leuthard has said
the country is committed to supporting India’s fight against black money
through exchange of related information.
She said this on Friday night during a ceremony at the Swiss Embassy
here to launch celebrations commemorating the 70th year of diplomatic
relations between the two countries.
“India is a good friend. In these seven decades, we have listened to
each other, given advice, and learned from each other. This is the
foundation on which a relationship stands today,” Leuthard said.
“And Switzerland is committed to supporting India’s fight against black
money through exchange of related information and this year we await the
approval in our Parliament,” she said.
The
Swiss President during her four-day India visit held bilateral talks
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a wide range of issues, including
combating black money and cooperation in several sectors.
The 70th year celebrations will be held till 2018. As part of the
inaugural event, Leuthard, on the last leg of her trip, felicitated
several ‘Friendship Ambassadors’ from both the countries, including
noted economist MS Swaminathan, during the function at the Embassy.
She also emphasised on the business ties of the two countries, saying
over 250 Swiss companies are operating in India, while 140 Indian firms
have presence in Switzerland.
“Our trade volume is growing and various sectors on which we can
collaborate more and work together are railways, design, film and
tourism,” she said.
“I thank you (India) for your friendship,” the Swiss President said.
Two short films on opportunities in Switzerland and its culture and 70
years of journey of the two nations were also screened on the occasion.
Ambassadors from several countries, representatives from the business,
art and other sectors were also among those who attended the event
hosted at the sprawling garden of the Embassy. PTI