India to import LNG from Brunei; jointly deal with terror

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) India wants to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Brunei, while the two countries have agreed to intesify bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and trafficking.

India and Brunei have also identified the need for cooperation in the defence sector and agreed to explore specific areas for the purpose.

Further, they reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations and stressed the need for urgent reforms so that the world body could truly reflect the political, economic and social realities of the 21st century.

Their convergence of views on various issues finds mention in the joint statement issued on the occasion of the four-day state visit of Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah that ended today. During the visit, the Sultan held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K Antony and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

''Both sides emphasized the importance of energy security for their economic growth and development. The Indian side expressed interest to continue importing crude oil from Brunei Darussalam on mutually beneficial terms. To meet the increasing energy requirements, the Indian side expressed interest to import LNG from Brunei,'' the statement said.

They also agreed that cooperation in ICT was important to both countries. India agreed to share its experience with Brunei in e-governance and the setting up of knowledge-based industries in both countries.

The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in other regional and international fora like the ASEAN Regional Forum, WTO, UN and ASEM (Asia and Europe Meeting).

The two sides stressed that terrorism constituted one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there could be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism.

They emphasised the need for concerted and coordinated action by the international community, in accordance with international law, to realise the objectives of eradicating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

UNI SN PK GC1910