India,Norway to co-operate in Shipping

New Delhi, Nov 1 (UNI) India and Norway today agreed to expand co-operation in the shipping sector, including the emerging area of offshore shipping, where the European nation has expertise.

Norwegian Minister for Trade, Industry and Shipping Dag Terje Andersen called on the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T R Baalu here.

He was accompanied by Mr Per Sanderud, Secretary General Ministry of Trade and Industry, Norway, and other senior officials of the Norwegian Government. Senior officials of the Indian Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways were also present on the occasion.

Mr Baalu appreciated the Norwegian proposal to start negotiations for a Maritime Agreement between the two countries and it was agreed that experts from the two sides would meet in early next year in this regard.

The Norwegian side also commended the quality of services being provided by the Indian Officers on their Ships and the visiting side showed interest in enhancing cooperation in maritime training.

In this context, Mr Baalu told the delegation about the setting up of a Maritime University in the State of Tamil Nadu to improve the facilities of maritime education and research.

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