Sushma calls on Pope Francis at Vatican

External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Monday called on Pope Francis at the Vatican.

"Stronger ties with the Holy See. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on @Pontifex at the Vatican, on her final day in Rome," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

Sushma Swaraj visited Rome to attend the canonisation of Mother Teresa at the Vatican on Sunday.

She also met with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on Sunday.

"The two ministers expressed their satisfaction on the first high-level bilateral meeting after a considerable period," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

"They reviewed the state of bilateral relations and discussed the future road map of cooperation in trade and investment, science and technology, counter terrorism, cultural exchange and other areas of mutual interest," it said.

Sushma Swaraj also conveyed her deep condolences for the earthquake in Central Italy last month that caused a lot of destruction and claimed many lives.

Sushma Swaraj later left Rome for New Delhi.

"Grazie Roma! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs for Delhi after a fruitful visit to Italy," Swarup said in another tweet.

India-Italy relations hav been frosty for the past four years after two Italian marines aboard a cargo vessel allegedly shot two fishermen dead off the Kerala coast mistaking them for pirates. Both marines have since received conditional permission from the Supreme Court, which directed they would have to return if summoned.

--IANS

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