Cote d'Ivoire invites private investment from India

New Delhi, Aug 4: India today called upon the international community to ensure cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and said all sides should be concerned at the situation in the region.

Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said India's position on the issue had been made very clear and the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) has also made a statement in Parliament.

''We have condemned the use of excessive force and are concerned at the escalating violence...The international community must ensure the cessation of hostilities,'' he said at a press conferene after talks with Foreign Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, Youssouf Bakayoko here.

The two Minsisters also signed two documents including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Foreign Office Consultations.

Mr Bajayoko hoped that cooperation beetween the two countries would strengthen not only on government level but also in private sector. He called for more Indian private sector investments in his country.

The ONGC already has a 12 Billion US Dollar investment in the West Sub-Saharan African country.

The two Ministers also held discussions on various regional, bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on how to strengthen bilateral, political, trade, economic and cultural relations between the two countries in an institutional manner.

A Joint Statement issueed after the talks between the two Ministers stated the two sides reiterated support to UN reforms, particularly UNSC expansion.

They stressed the need for expanding the UNSC for crewating an equitable balance while Cote d'Ivoire reaffirmed support to India's permanent candidature to the UNSC.

The two countries recognised the potential for enhanced cooperation for trade, economic development, investment, oint ventures, urban transportation, mining, energy, petroleum, petrochemicals, railways, environment and forestry.

Mr Bakayoko is heading a 110-member delegation which is currently on a visit here till July seven for the 2nd meeting of the Indo-Ivorian Joint Trade Commission.

On August five and six, the Ivorian delegation is planning to arrange an exhibition at Hotel Le Meridien showcasing their business sector and to attract Indian partnership and investmentsw.

UNI