India, Kyrgyzstan to step up coop. against terror

New Delhi, Feb 04 (UNI) India and the Central Asian Republic of Kyrgyzstan today signed an agreement for cooperation on various bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern including UN reforms and the fight against global terror.

The agreement was signed here after talks between External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and visiting Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister Ednan Karabaev who arrived here early this morning on a three-day official visit.

It also involves regular consultations between the two countries on consular matters, UN reforms, counter-terrorism, separatism, extremism, trans-national organised crime and drug trafficking.

The agreement, which will be valid initially for five years, enables two countries to regularly exchange information on preparation of drafts of bilateral treaties, fulfilment of procedures required for entry into force of the treaties and making efforts for strengthening cooperation for effective implementation of the treaties.

The two countries agreed to hold regular consultations at the Deputy Foreign Minister level on crucial bilateral issues and other regional and international matters of mutual concern.

They also agreed to exchange information to promote each other's image in the international fora.

The Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister will attend a luncheon meeting with representatives of Indian industry tomorrow to invite Indian investment.

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