India, Italy to work together on migration, mobility

India and Italy, in a joint statement on Monday, agreed to work together on migration and mobility between the two countries.

Moreover, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni mentioned the presence of the 170,000 strong Indian diaspora who have made Italy their second home and acknowledged their contribution to the Italian economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the measures taken by the Italian government to enable the Indian diaspora to integrate with the Italian society.

The two leaders underlined the importance of valuing the archaeological and cultural heritage as well.

They welcomed the exchange of best practices and scientific techniques for the conservation of the architectural and archaeological heritage; and sharing of information on managing cultural heritage tourism attractions.

The two Prime Ministers also welcomed the possibility of exploring "twinning" arrangements between the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the two countries for exchanging information on conservation efforts.

The Italian side welcomed India's interest to participate in the 2019 Biennale di Venezia, the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibition and agreed to extend necessary support in this regard.

PM Gentiloni congratulated PM Modi for his initiative of the International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated worldwide on 21st June every year.

The Italian leader also conveyed that Italy will explore possibilities of introducing yoga practice in the physical education curriculum of Italian schools and to obtain certification for imparting yoga education by qualified yoga institutions in India.

They welcomed the signature of the New Executive Program of Cultural Cooperation (EPCC), in the framework of the bilateral Cultural Agreement.

The new EPCC will strengthen the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of theatre, music, dance, festivals, publishing, cinema, youth exchanges, and through grant of scholarship programs.

The two leaders desired to enhance cooperation between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for peaceful use of outer space and with particular reference to earth observation and space exploration.