Singh, Sarkozy discuss N-energy, defence cooperation

V Mohan Narayan

Paris, Jul 14 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and French President Nicolas Sarkozy Tuesday discussed
cooperation in atomic energy, defence, space and other key
areas and agreed to work in concert in the fight against
terrorism.

Sarkozy hosted a working lunch in the honour of Singh,
who was the Chief Guest at the impressive French National Day
celebrations here.

The French President introduced Chief Guest Singh to
thousands of people gathered at the Elysee palace at the
National Day reception.

"India is one of the greatest democracies of the world,"
Sarkozy said, adding India is a "major power" of the 21st
century.

"India's involvement is essential in all major global
matters," he said.

During the lunch, Singh and Sarkozy discussed the
situation in the sub-continent and regional issues, including
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, the Gulf, and other
questions.

The two leaders also reviewed the bilateral relations.

They expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the
civil nuclear energy and space cooperation and wide-ranging
defence cooperation.

"There is a strong convergence of interest on threats
posed by terrorism and measures to counter it. The leaders
agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the area," an
official statement said.

India and France have a strategic partnership and the
bilateral cooperation extends to education, health, defence,
space, peaceful purposes of nuclear energy and such fields.

The relations have deepened rapidly in the recent years.
In recognition of the closeness and intensity of these ties,
an annual leadership summit has now become the norm.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the steady
deepening, broadening and development of the relations.

Prime Minister Singh renewed the invitation to Sarkozy to
visit India, which the French President accepted. Sarkozy
indicated that he hopes to visit India soon.

Singh, who became the first Indian leader to be the Chief
Guest at the French celebrations, said in a statement that
this reflects the friendship and strategic partnership between
the two countries and the cordial ties between their armed
forces.

"The magnificent parade we have witnessed dramatises
its strength and dynamism of this great nation," the Prime
Minister said after the event. PTI VMN
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