Swaraj calls Italian PM; discusses steps to revitalise bilateral ties

Rome: India and Italy on Monday agreed to boost cooperation in counter terrorism and cyber security as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the top Italian leadership and discussed steps to revitalise the bilateral ties.

In her first engagement of the day, Swaraj called on Italian Prime Minister Prof. Giuseppe Conte and their discussions focused on forging bilateral cooperation across sectors and steps to revitalise the bilateral relationship, said a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Both sides agreed to mutually identify new areas of cooperation to boost trade and investment linkages.

It was the first major political exchange between the two countries after Conte assumed charge as the Italian prime minister early this month.

Swaraj "conveyed felicitations of the Government of India to the newly elected Government of Italy and reiterated India's desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Italy," the statement said.

She also conveyed the need for India and Italy to continue to work together and coordinate positions in multilateral forums, it added.

The two leaders underlined the need to boost people-to-people cooperation.

Swaraj, who is here on the first leg of her seven-day tour of four European countries, also met with her Italian counterpart Enzo Moavero Milanesi and the two leaders reviewed all aspects of the bilateral relationship.

"They exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

The two leaders shared concerns relating to counter terrorism and cyber security and agreed to continue cooperation in this area, the statement said.

"Recognising the need to sustain the momentum generated by the visit of Former Italian Prime Minister Gentiloni to India in October 2017, the ministers emphasized the importance of promoting regular high level contacts and bilateral dialogue mechanisms," it said.

Outlining the reforms undertaken by India to promote ease of doing business and liberalise Foreign Direct Investment, Swaraj highlighted the tremendous scope for enhancing bilateral trade and investment in sectors like infrastructure, food processing and renewable energy.