Kuwait key player in fulfilling India's security needs: Kalam

New Delhi, June 15 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam today foresaw Kuwait as an important partner in providing for India's energy security.

''As India rapidly expands its economy in the coming years, our cooperation in the energy and related sectors will be an important area underpinning our partnership. We could also be a partner in the exploration of your oil and natural gas resources,'' Dr Kalam said during the banquet hosted in honour of visiting Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Dr Kalam said India would be happy to share its expertise with Kuwait in science and technology, IT, biotechnology, healthcare and higher education.

''The specific areas of cooperation could include agriculture-- especially desert cultivation and collaborations between our higher institutes of technology.'' He said India would welcome investment in energy, infrastructure development and manufacturing.

Dr Kalam recalled the shared history and democratic traditions of the two countries, and the contributions of the Amir towards empowerment and enfranchisement of women.

While pointing to the contributions made by the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, he appreciated the care and assistance extended by the Amir to the Indian community there.

He said the two countries shared a similar outlook on matters relating to economic development, environment protection, non-proliferation and the war against terrorism.

''Both India and Kuwait are sincerely interested in seeing peace and stability return to Iraq..., support the establishment of an independent and viable State of Palestine..., and would like to see the issues relating to Iran being settled through dialogue and consultations with respect for international law and obligations to each and every party concerned.'' UNI YJ MSJ BD2022