Navtej Sarna
Counsellor (Press & Information)
Washington, DC
(202) 939-7042

Press Release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Prime Minister Vajpayee's meeting with
His Holiness Pope John Paul II

New Delhi
November 06, 1999

The Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, paid a goodwill call on His Holiness Pope John Paul II. The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The Prime Minister and His Holiness exchanged views on relations between India and the Holy See. Noting the fact that general elections have been held recently in India, His Holiness wished the Prime Minister well in the fulfillment of his tasks. Prime Minister conveyed to His Holiness the priorities and policies of the new government including the economic reform programme. The two leaders also exchanged views on aspects of the foreign policy of India.

The Vice President of India, Shri Krishan Kant, called on His Holiness. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings and sentiments of goodwill and had a philosophical exchange of views on human issues including the importance of the family in society. In welcoming His Holiness to the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the Vice President also discussed with him Gandhian philosophy, particularly the spiritual uplift of humanity.