German Defence Minister meets PM

New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Cooperation in fields ofaerospase, defence and civil aviation figured prominentlyduring talks German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zuGuttenberg had with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.

The minister had arrived in New Delhi after visiting theAero-India 2011 show in Bangalore.

During the meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday, hehad a "very intense discussion about broader global subjects,"Guttenberg was quoted as saying in a statement issued by theGerman Embassy here today.

"We also spoke about the relationship between Germany andIndia, which is of utmost importance for both sides and whichis based on partnership and friendship," he said.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest in thefields of aerospace, defence and civil aviation.

"I think it''s a cooperation that is first and foremostbased on a firm and a fundamental ground, which is alsoexpandable." Guttenberg added.

He said that as non-permanent members of United NationsSecurity Council for next two years, India and Germany have"lots of chances to bring in new initiatives together."

India and Germany share a strategic partnership in thefield of defence. In 2006, the two sides signed a Memorandumof Understanding (MoU) that provides for the establishment ofthree bilateral working groups.

The first group focuses on strategic and policy matterson military issues while the second group deals with militarycooperation between the armed forces of both the nations.

The third group covers defence technology and defencebusiness cooperation, as well as the exchange of informationon armament and procurement projects and on defence researchand development technology.