Canadian PM to visit India next week, N-deal on agenda

Bal Krishna
Toronto, Nov 14 (PTI) Canadian Prime Minister Stephen
Harper will visit India next week, his maiden official trip to
the country during which the two sides are expected to
finalise a civil nuclear deal and ink a major economic treaty
besides exploring ways to lower trade barriers.
The Conservative leader will pay a three-day visit to
India from November 16 after participating in the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore, the Prime
Minister's office said. This will be followed by a visit to
China from December 2 to 6.
Harper, who will be accompanied by a high-powered
delegation, will discuss bilateral issues with Prime Minister
of India Manmohan Singh.
He is also expected to finalise a deal allowing Canadian
firms to sell civilian nuclear technology to India and sign a
Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement to
safeguard investors' rights in the two countries, officials
said.
Noting that "there is a tremendous amount of potential"
in Canada's ties with India, Harper said in a statement, "We
share a history of cooperation in the Commonwealth and the
United Nations, as well as a shared commitment to pluralism,
democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
"Our goal is to build a stronger, more dynamic
partnership based on shared commercial, political and regional
interests," he said. (More) PTI