Bratislava, 15 June (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appreciated Slovakia's traditional welcome ceremony, describing it as a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage and values of goodwill and friendship.

In a post, PM Modi said he was welcomed with the traditional offering of bread and salt, a longstanding custom in Slovakia.

The traditional offering of bread and salt during the welcome was a beautiful glimpse of Slovakia's rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship that the country deeply cherishes, the Prime Minister said.

In another message, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him by the Indian community in Bratislava.

He said the affection and warmth shown by members of the Indian diaspora reflected the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries and further strengthened India-Slovakia friendship.

Modi arrived in Slovakia after concluding the first leg of his European tour in France.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar