India vows to strengthen partnership with Chile

{image-prathibha patil_23042008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Santiago (Chile), Apr 23: President Pratibha Patil has said that India and Chile will strengthen their partnership to build a better world and an equitable global order.

Speaking at a return banquet hosted by her Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet, President Patil said, "Our dialogue on bilateral, regional and international issues has been most fruitful. We share perception that we should strengthen our interaction to include the entire spectrum of opportunities and challenges that encompass our relations." Patil said that both countries have agreed to diversify the cooperation in civil aviation, science and technology, sports and research in the Antarctica.

Taking note of the fact that the two countries have registered strong economic growth in recent years, she said, "We must use this momentum and build on our synergies. Our bilateral trade has grown well and our efforts must be to diversify it."

Emphasizing on the need for investment partnership, the President said that some Indian companies are actively looking at opportunities in Chile, adding "We hope that in coming years, we will see more Chilean investment in India, especially in the infrastructure sector."

As both the countries are in the process of discovering each other's cultural heritage and traditions, she said, "It will be our efforts to strengthen our cultural ties and encourage exchanges in education and tourism, as well as promote contacts between our youth."

President Patil vowed to work together on issues such as UN reform, the fight against terrorism, on climate change and on the Doha Development Round.

Complementing Bachelet on her personal commitment to work for the betterment and empowerment of the people of Chile especially the under-privileged and the women, the President invited Bachelet in India next year on mutually convenient dates.

Bachelet, on the occasion of dinner hosted in honour of President Patil, expressed confident that the two countries would soon start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement.

She said India and Chile share values such as full respect for human rights, freedom, tolerance and confidence in multilateralism.

"Both the countries share the need for guaranteeing certain public goods such as peace and security, fight against terrorism, and the eradication of poverty," Bachelet added.

ANI