New Delhi, June 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi who left for a four-day three-nation visit to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia, in his departure statement described the tour as an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in the fight against cross-border terrorism and galvanize global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Following is the Prime Minister's departure statement :

"Today, I will embark on a three-nation tour to the Republic of Cyprus, Canada and Croatia.

On June 15-16, I will visit the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of President H.E Nikos Christodoulides. Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in

the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.

From Cyprus, I will travel to Kananaskis, Canada to attend the G 7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister H.E. Mark Carney. The Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries.

On June 18, I look forward to my visit to the Republic of Croatia and meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanize global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. '

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