European leaders Rompuy and Barroso to participate in India, EU Summit

New Delhi, Feb 9 (ANI): European Council President Herman Wan Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will arrive here on a four-day visit beginning today to participate in the annual India-EU Summit scheduled to take place on Friday.

Both Rompuy and Barroso will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the Hyderabad House here for the India, EU Summit during which several agreements are expected to be signed.

The two leaders will then call on President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Friday evening.

A preparatory meeting for this year's summit was held between External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Baroness Catherine Ashton on January 16 in Bangalore.

India and the EU share common values of democracy, respect for civil liberties and rule of law. India's relationship with the EU has grown as India's engagements in different areas have intensified over the years.

This relationship is expected to expand further as EU evolves. India values its relations with the European Union and sees the EU as a key strategic partner.

The summit will provide an opportunity to both sides to review the entire spectrum of the strategic relationship between India and the EU and to discuss bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

It may be recalled here that the eleventh European Union - India Summit was held in Brussels on December 10, 2010. Leaders of the two sides discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest and concern during this summit. (ANI)