Energy Forum to address India's power needs

Hannover, Apr 23 (UNI) India and Germany today decided to establish an Energy Forum with the objective to give a new impetus to cooperation in the energy sector by addressing energy concerns of New Delhi through promotion of renewable sources and enviornmental friendly technologies.

In a joint statement, issued after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's extensive talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Iranian nuclear programme and other important international issues, the two countries also agreed to further their strategic and security dialogue and to work towards an agreement on defence cooperation.

The energy forum will comprise senior government officials and representatives of the private sector of both the countries to discuss ''strategic energy concerns including energy security''.

It was acknowledged that trade, investment, scientific and technological colloboration in the energy, infrastructure and high technology sector form an important basis for the partnership.

Recognising the threat of terrorism to international peace, India and Germany agreed to work closely to tackle this menace through regular bilateral consultation and cooperation.

The two countries will also work together in pursing agreement in the United Nations on the Comprehensive Convention against International terrorism, the statement said.

The two sides have also agreed to start negotiations on a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in criminal matters.

The Indo-German Joint Commission on industrial and economic cooperation will focus on specific areas of cooperation for mutual benefits, it said.

It was noted that the bilateral trade was growing rapidly and that the target of doubling the trade within five years was expected to be achieved much earlier than 2010.

UNI SMA MA DB2317