Indo-US relations broad and deep: Negroponte

Washington, Jul 18: The US Deputy Secretary of State John D Negroponte has spoken of a broad and deep relationship between India and the United States, saying their strategic relationship covered a wide variety of areas.

Welcoming 32 Indian and Pakistani participants of the South Asian Seeds of Peace program who completed a three-week conflict resolution course in Maine, Negroponte yesterday said, '' India and the United States enjoy a broad, deep relationship based on common values and interests.'' ''Our strategic partnership covers a wide variety of areas: education, science, agriculture, security, environmental stewardship and counterterrorism. Together, we are working to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time, including energy security and nuclear non-proliferation,'' he said.

The Deputy Secretary of State said '' India and Pakistan are important friends and partners of the United States, and two countries we want to see succeed.'' Negroponte added that Pakistan is also a key American partner.

We are working closely with Pakistan's government and people to improve economic development, resolve food and energy problems and counter violent extremism.

He hoped that the participants of the program would continue their efforts to improve relations between their countries.

Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen and Pakistani Ambassador Husain Haqqani were also present at the welcome ceremony held at the State Department.

UNI