India, Hungary discuss economic coop, Indo-US 'N' deal

New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) India and Hungary today discusssed raising the level of economic cooperation and the Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Energy agreement, particularly the role that Hungary can play in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for getting the deal okayed by the powerful 45-nation nuclear lobby.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Dr Kinga Goncz, who arrived here yesterday on a five-day official visit to India, held discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee here today on a ''wide variety of issues,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

They also discussed the issue of terrorism with emphasis on mutual cooperation, the Afghanistan situation.

Hungary has also supported India's bid for a permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

The two discussed energy cooperation and the Indo-US civilian nuclear energy agreement, particularly the role that Hungary can play in the NSG.

Dr Goncz also met Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee and stressed the need for greater Parliamentary exchanges.

She is also scheuled to travel to Pakistan.

Reports from Budapest said Dr Goncz was scheduled to meet President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

''We would like to secure our position in a country, which by 2025, according to analysts, will without a doubt be turning into one of the global powers in the fields of economy and politics,'' an official was quoted as having told reporters.

UNI RB VD HS2015