India, Chile sign four agreements to boost bilateral ties

New Delhi, Mar 17 (ANI): India and Chile today 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.

The joint statement issued after the talks said both leaders had in depth discussion on the ongoing economic crisis and they agreed that regulatory failure in developed countries has led to it.

They also called on developed countries to ensure an uninterrupted flow of development assistance and credit and encourage the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into developing countries.

While strongly condemning last year's Mumbai terror attack, Bachelet expressed hope that the perpetrators of attack would be brought to justice.

She also said that her country would support India's bid to get a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

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 will 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)