New Delhi: Romanian President Ion Iliescu today (Jan 31, 2004) said he looked forward to further strengthening political and economic relations with India during his talks with Indian leaders with an emphasis on the economic sector.

"We have a very old tradition of political relations between the two countries and this visit would further cement these relations. Besides, since the 1989 revolution in Romania and the changes in the economic system in that country after that has helped in its development," he told reporters after his ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi this morning.

Iliescu, who was received by President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, said because of the changes that have taken place in Eastern Europe, the focus on relations would be on the economic front.

The Romanian leader, whose five-day visit to this country began on January 28, has already visited Mumbai and Bangalore.

During his stay in the capital, the two countries will sign six agreements including on exemption of visa for diplomatic and official passport holders, cooperation in plant protection and phytosanitary quarantine field, veterinary and cultural exchanges as also tie-ups involving Doordarshan and All India Radio with their Romanian counterparts.

He would also be holding talks with Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vajpayee and other leaders.

A joint statement would be issued after the talks between Iliescu and Vajpayee that will cover a host of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.