|
According to the Spokesman of the Ministry
of External Affairs, the talks between the two Foreign Ministers
covered a wide range of bilateral issues including the exchange
of high-level visits, and ways and means of enhancing bilateral
cooperation in all fields. The Ministers also discussed regional
and multilateral issues, including United Nations reforms.
The Spokesman added that during the talks, Foreign Minister
Downer reiterated Australia’s support for India’s
candidature for the permanent membership of UN Security Council.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the rapid growth in bilateral
trade and economic relations in recent years and reiterated
their desire to enhance cooperation in this area.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the decision taken during
the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Australia to commence
discussions on the proposed Trade and Economic Frame Agreement
(TEF) between India and Australia that will set up a consultative
framework to encourage the growth of trade and
|
|
economic
relations between the two countries.
The Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs said that
the two sides also agreed to increase interaction in other dimensions
of the bilateral relationship, including the areas of energy,
science and technology, biotechnology, IT, tourism, education,
culture and people-to-people contacts. It was agreed to organize
an exhibition in India on the legendary cricketer, Don Bradman.
The contributions of the 200,000 strong Indian community in
Australia and the the presence of 21,000 Indian students pursuing
higher studies in Australia were acknowledged by both sides
as positive factors that were promoting closer bilateral ties.
Mr. Downer, commenting on his visit said that it focused on
the enormous potential of the relationship which is now recognized
in both countries. He had the following to say about his visit:
“ In talks with Indian Minister for External Affairs, Mr.
Natwar Singh, we discussed how India’s Look East |
|
Policy means that our security and economic interests in East
Asia are converging. As India becomes integrated into the East
Asian architecture, we will have much more to do with one another.
India is already our sixth largest export market and a growing
source of overseas investment into Australia. We are also a
key provider of education services to India.
In Delhi I met the Prime Minister, Dr.Manmohan Singh and the
Ministers for Defence and the Environment as well as the Deputy
Chairman of the National Planning Commission which has a leading
role in economic policy. I also addressed the Confederation
of Indian Industry on the bilateral relationship and Australia’s
view of India’s emergence as a major power.
Australia has a keen interest in India’s energy and resources
sector because we can help to fuel India’s strong economic
growth and meet its energy demands. My visit coincided with
the meeting of a Joint Working Group on Energy and Minerals,
which had participants from many of Australia’s largest
mining companies, emphasizing the growing interest of this sector
in India.” |
