Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 24, 2017. Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday that India and Portugal agreed to further deepen bilateral relations, and strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and science and technology. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
LISBON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday that India and Portugal agreed to further deepen bilateral relations, strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and science and technology.
At a joint press conference after the meeting with his Portugese counterpart Antonio Costa, Modi said that Portugal is one of the European countries with the best investment environment and most beneficial to development of enterprises.
The resilient economic growth in India provides excellent opportunities for the economic and trade exchanges between the two countries, he added.
He said that India and Portugal will also strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism between the two countries.
"I wish to convey our deepest condolences and sympathies for the victims of the devastating forest fire in Portugal last week," he said.
"While maritime links connected our countries in the past, today I can say confidently it will become our digital link," said Costa, who is of India-origin.
The two ministers launched the Startup Hub, which will provide a platform for the exchange and cooperation of the enterprise of the two countries as well as strengthening their competitiveness in the global trade.
During Modi's visit, the two countries singed 11 agreements in the domains of economy, trade, science and technology, culture and sports as well as taxation. The two countries will also set up a fund worth of 4 million euros for scientific researches.
Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Portugal. He flew to the United States, the second leg of his three-country tour, later Saturday after his one-day visit here. His last stop is the Netherlands.
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