MEA | Bilateral/Multilateral Documents 2 of 5 https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/26574/IndiaBelgium+Joint+Statement+d... The two Prime Ministers underlined the excellent relations between Belgium and India and their shared commonalities as two mature democracies committed to the rule of law, India federalism and pluralism. Noting that diplomatic relations between and Belgium were instituted in 1947, the Leaders welcomed the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Belgium in 2017 as an occasion to commemorate and commit to further strengthening of bilateral relations. They looked forward to a State Visit to India in 2017 by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium as a key event in the commemoration. Lauding the vital role played by, and the supreme sacrifice made by more than 9,000 Indian troops in Flanders fields, Belgium, during the First World War, the two Prime Ministers recalled India’s participation in the inaugural commemorative events held at Nieuwpoort and Ypres in Belgium in October 2014 and welcomed the ongoing commemorative celebrations underway till 2018. Both leaders acknowledged the growing convergence of views on regional and international issues and committed to work together in close partnership on a range of issues of mutual interest. In this context, the Prime Ministers welcomed the inception of an institutionalized political dialogue between India and Belgium. Prime Minister Michel reiterated the support of Belgium for India to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. India and Belgium underlined their shared interest in strengthening global non-proliferation objectives. In this regard, Belgium welcomes India’s aspiration to become a member of the four multilateral export control regimes, namely, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement. India and Belgium agreed to work together for India to become a member of these regimes. Taking note of the federal structure in both countries, the two Leaders encouraged mutually beneficial partnerships and cooperation, including at the level of the States and the Union Territories of India, the Regions and Communities of Belgium. Security Cooperation Condemning the terrorist attacks that have taken place across the world recently, the two Prime Ministers agreed that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, is an attack on fundamental values and freedoms. They agreed that enhanced bilateral and international cooperation is necessary to prevent and combat violent extremism and terrorism, including early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and strict compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions designating terrorists and terrorist groups. The two Leaders also resolved to work together to drive forward international efforts in forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Recognising the urgent need to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing channels, eliminate terrorist safe havens, training infrastructure and cross-border movement of terrorists, the two Prime Ministers underlined the need for all countries to effectively 21.02.23, 16:25