Pranab, Gaddafi discuss energy cooperation

New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met Libyan leader Col Muammer Al Gaddafi last evening and the two sides agreed to further strengenthen economic partnership, especially in the oil and petroleum sector.

The hour-long meeting at Col Gaddafi's desert camp near the coastal town of Sirte was held in a very warm and cordial atmosphere, an official statement said here today.

Mr Mukherjee's visit takes place four months after Petroleum Minister Murli Deora visited Tripoli and discussed India's interest in revamping oil refineries in Libya.

Indian oil companies have already won exploration licence for six oil blocks in Libya.

Mr Mukherjee is currently on a four-nation tour that has already taken him to Cyprus. From here, he travels to Germany and Belgium before returning home.

The two leaders recalled the traditional friendship between India and Libya, with Col Gaddafi saying that he would himself work towards further strengthening India-Africa partnership.

''Sky is the limit for cooperation between the two countries,'' Col Gaddafi said.

On international issues, discussions focused on the need for reforms in the UN, including the UN Security Council.

Col Gaddafi reiterated that India had a right for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The two countries also inked several agreements, including one on promoting investments.

The agreements were signed by Mr Mukherjee and his Libyan counterpart Abdul Rehman Shalgem, according to Libyan news agency Jana.

While discussing regional issues, Mr Mukherjee briefed Col Gaddafi on developments in SAARC, India-Pakistan composite dialogue, India-China relations as well as Trilateral India-Russia-China dialogue.

Mr Mukherjee handed over a letter from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inviting Col Gaddafi to visit India. The Libyan leader said he looked forward to visiting India.

Mr Mukherjee flew into Libya on Saturday on a three-day visit, his first since taking over as External Affairs Minister, to forge economic ties with a country rich in oil and enjoying a booming economy.

This is also the first high-level visit from India in 23 years.

It was in 1984 that then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the North African state.

UNI