Pranab meets ASEAN foreign ministers

New Delhi, Jan 12 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited Cebu, the Philippines, for two days to participate in the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Luncheon yesterday and Wednesday.

On the sidelines of these meetings he met the Foreign Ministers of New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines.

During the meeting with Mr Winston Peters the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed the progress of bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in different areas.

The foreign office said here today that Mr Mukherjee stressed the importance India attached to her 'Look East' policy, to the potential and benefits of regional economic integration and regional cooperation in maritime security, counter terrorism and energy security.

The two leaders also discussed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in exploring non-conventional sources of energy. The External Affairs Minister introduced to the New Zealand Foreign Minister India's proposal for developing a revived Nalanda University as an International seat of Learning with Public and Private partnership countries of South and Southeast Asia.

Minister Winston Peters expressed interest in the proposal and observed that it would promote international and inter-cultural understanding.

The External Affairs Minister and Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo expressed satisfaction at the rapid growth of bilateral ties.

The two leaders discussed regional economic integration and bilateral defense and security cooperation. The External Affairs Minister expressed appreciation for Singapore's role in furthering India's Dialogue Partnership with the ASEAN.

Mr Mukherjee and Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram expressed satisfaction at the close relations between India and Thailand and the progress made in diverse areas in the recent period.

The two leaders noted that 2007 marked the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand and agreed that this important anniversary should be celebrated in a fitting manner.

During the meeting with Indonesia's Foreign Minister N Hassan Wirajuda, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed the progress of the 'New Strategic Partnership' established during the State Visit of the President of Indonesia to India in November 2005.

They agreed to focus on the expansion of trade and investment ties, develop closer cooperation in coal, petroleum, IT, Space, counter-terrorism and to learn from each other's experience in these and other areas. It was agreed to convene the next meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Commission in Indonesia at an early date.

At the meeting with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, the close and cordial nature of bilateral relations between India and Vietnam was reviewed. The important contribution of high level visits to the relations between the two countries was also stressed.

At the conclusion of the EAS Foreign Ministers' luncheon meeting, the Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo met the External Affairs Minister.

He conveyed his appreciation for the successful conduct of the India - ASEAN Ministerial meeting held on 11 January, 2007.

Recalling the visit of President APJ Abdul Kalam to the Philippines in February 2006, the Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs emphasized that the exchange of high level visits would contribute to the further strengthening and diversification of bilateral relations.

He also identified future areas of cooperation between the Philippines and India. He said that the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, information technology sectors and cooperation in energy matters including the manufacture of bio-diesel were areas of promise. He said that the immense goodwill created by Dr Kalam's visit to the Philippines should be utilised to strengthen bilateral relations.

UNI