India to host Year of Germany in 2011 to mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BERLIN - Germany will organize a Year of Germany in India beginning September 2011 to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, said visiting Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Saturday.

India will organize the Days of India in Germany during 2012-13. I have invited Chancellor Merkel to visit India next year, and I look forward to hosting her in Delhi, Dr. Singh added while delivering his opening statement at a joint press interaction here.

He further said: “Relations between our two countries are based on the strong foundations of shared values of freedom, democracy and respect for fundamental rights. Our strategic partnership has evolved tremendously in recent years. I look forward to working with Chancellor Merkel to further strengthen and deepen this partnership.”

He also thanked Chancellor Merkel for her gracious hospitality, saying that it was a great pleasure for him to visit Germany again to meet with her.

Stating that he had great personal admiration for Chancellor Merkel and for her leadership, Dr. Singh said: India’s relations with Germany are excellent. There are no bilateral irritants, and I believe, that the sky is the limit for our cooperation.”

“This happy state of affairs has been made possible due to the Chancellor’s personal guidance of our partnership, for which we are most grateful,” he added. By Smita Prakash (ANI)