Chilean President calls on Pratibha Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi, March 17 (ANI): Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday evening called on President Pratibha Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the capital. oth the heads of the State are believed to have discussed matters related to bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest to both the countries.

Later on, President Bachelet and President Patil attended a banquet.

Earlier, in the day, India and Chile signed four agreements in the areas of space, renewable energy, education and mineral resources to strengthen their bilateral ties further.

The agreements were signed after talks between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and visiting Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.

The agreement on space is for exploration and utilization of outer-space for peaceful purposes.

An agreement on gender equality between both countries is also at an advance stage of negotiation. Both sides agreed to pursue cooperation in the Antarctica as well. Both countries also expressed an interest in strengthening cooperation in the areas of IT and biotechnology.

Bachelet, who is on a five-day official visit to the country, said India, had great leadership both regionally and internationally, and hence should be on the Security Council.

During her stay, Bachelet is scheduled to meet President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani.

She is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Minister of Agriculture and Women Empowerment and a business delegation.

Bachelet will also visit Agra, Mumbai, and Chennai. (ANI)