PM Modi thanks Portugal for supporting India's permanent membership of UNSC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked his Portugal counterpart for his support towards India's bid for permanent membership of United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa is on a seven-day long official visit to India from today.

"I thank Portugal for their consistent support for India's permanent membership of UN Security Council," he said.

Prime Minister Modi added that partnership being forged between Start-up Portugal and Start-up India will help both the countries in mutual quest to innovate and progress.

Prime Minister added that areas of infrastructure, waste and water management , solar, wind energy, and innovation are full of opportunities to build strong commercial ties between two economies.

Costa presented Prime Minister Modi Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey.

A total of six Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Portugal was signed, including one on defence cooperation.

Speaking on the relationship between the two countries, PM Modi said that he had an extensive discussion with the Portugal PM in which they had reviewed the full range of India-Portugal ties.

The PM said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation signed would assist in harnessing the respective strengths, of both the countries, in this field for mutual benefit.

Costa will attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas as the chief guest in Bengaluru on January 8, and would also participate in few business events.

The Portugal Prime Minister will also attend the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit on January 10 at Gandhinagar.

In the last leg of his visit to India, he will be in Goa on 11-12 January, where he would be meeting the Governor and the Chief Minister.

Costa who traces his roots to Goa, will also spend some time at his ancestral place.