New Delhi, Jun 26 (UNI) India and Greece on Saturday decided to work towards building a strategic partnership and step up interaction in trade and investment, and technology for a post-pandemic recovery.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during talks with Nikos Dendias, foreign minister of the Hellenic republic, in Athens had a "comprehensive exchange" of views on deepening and expanding collaboration in areas, such as trade and investment, science and technology, culture, academics and people-to-people contact.
"Both sides agreed to work towards the establishment of a Strategic Partnership," said the two sides in a joint statement.
The two ministers discussed the Covid-19 situation globally and the process of economic recovery. They agreed on the need for joint efforts to combat the disease and to work together for consolidating economic and commercial activities during and immediately after the pandemic.
They agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations and Joint Trade Committee would be held soon.
The two foreign ministers had a "'productive" discussion on regional and global issues in the context of new geo-political and geo-economic realities, including the Indo-Pacific.
Both noted with satisfaction the convergence of each-others’ vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region.

"Greece is an important partner in our broader EU engagement," said Jaishankar ahead of the formal talks.
They discussed the recent developments pertaining to the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya.
The EAM was slated to visit the Greek capital in November 2020, but the trip was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jaishankar had a virtual meeting with Dendias last October where both discussed strengthening cooperation in the defence and technology sectors.
Greece has identified India as a key partner, and sought to intensify the channels of communication with New Delhi as both countries face the same threats and have no bounds in the economic and cultural spheres.
Besides being the largest democracy in the world, India is a economic power and the benefits of strengthening the Greek-Indian cooperation are seen to be significant.
The two countries also agreed to work towards signing an agreement on migration and mobility, given the importance of movement of people in aa globalised world.
Considering their rich ancient past, the two sides stressed the importance of signing the Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2021-2025 at an early date.
The Greek foreign minister signed and handed over the Agreement on the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to the Indian side. Both sides agreed that this will assist the two countries in realisation of the energy goals set by the respective governments to make renewable energy a significant part of the energy supply.
The two countries recognised the threat posed by radicalization, violent extremism, as well as terrorism, including cross border terrorism. They emphasized that there can be no justification for these in any form or manifestation.
They reaffirmed the importance of the urgent reform of the UN, including UNSC expansion, and other multilateral institutions so as to make them more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.
The Greek side reiterated its support for permanent membership of India in a reformed UNSC.
During the day, the EAM unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Central Athens.
He also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
UNI SRJ SHK1932