Gaddafi accepts PM's invitation to visit India

New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Libyan leader Col Muammer Al Gaddafi today accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to visit India, stating that he was looking forward to that occasion The invitation was handed over to him by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee who called on him and had a one-hour discussion at the Libyan leader's desert camp near the coastal town of Sirte, the foreign office here said.

The two leaders held wide ranging discussions in a very warm and cordial atmosphere. Traditional friendship between the two countries, India's support for Libya's position and principled opposition to sanctions were recalled.

Bilateral cooperation, particularly cooperation in the oil and petroleum sectors, as well as human resource development were discussed. Col Gaddafi said that the sky is the limit for cooperation between the two countries.

While discussing regional issues, EAM briefed the Libyan leader on developments in SAARC, India-Pakistan composite dialogue, India-China relations as well as Trilateral India-Russia-China dialogue.

India's relations with Africa and greater cooperation in this regard were also discussed. Col. Gaddafi said that he would himself work towards further strengthening India-Africa partnership.

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

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

UNI