On Board Special Aircraft, Nov 1 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil, who returned from seven-day state Visit to United Kingdom and Cyprus on Sunday, said she has witnessed the desire and commitment from the British interlocutors across the political spectrum to diversify and strengthen ties between the UK and India.

Speaking to reporters on board special aircraft, Patil said she has received enthusiasm from UK interlocutors across the entire political spectrum for further strengthening and diversifying the ties between our two countries.

“I saw desire and commitment on the part of UK interlocutors across the entire political spectrum for further strengthening the ties between our two countries. I reciprocated with full measure,” she added.

She said her visit would give an impetus to the bilateral ties.

“My visit to UK was a reiteration of our strong commitment to the strategic partnership and our desire to further consolidate this important relationship,” she added.

She had lead a high-level delegation including representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) with her.

Queen Elizabeth, as head of the Commonwealth, presented to President Patil the baton and flagged off the baton relay for the Commonwealth Games to be hosted in India in 2010.

She met President of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias during the second leg of her two-nation tour.

“He (Cypriot President) indicated that India could count on Cyprus as a reliable friend of India in the EU,” Patil said.

Patil was the first Indian head of state to visit Cyprus in last 20 years.

An agreement was also signed between India and Cyprus for solar energy cooperation, entailing an investment of approximately 50 million Euros. (ANI)