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Journalism of Courage
India and the European Union have agreed to upgrade the present relationship to a strategic partnership. This will be endorsed at the upcoming Indo-EU Summit at Hague, where both sides are expected to commit themselves to drawing up an action plan before the 2005 summit.
Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to The Hague for the summit slated for November 8, Netherlands Ambassador Eric. F. Chniehe stated that the EU member countries had arrived at a consensus to upgrade relationships with India.
‘‘There is a consensus among the European Union member countries. We are keen that the Indo-EU relationship be upgraded to the level of a strategic partnership as in the case of US, China, Russia, Canada and Japan.’’
It is learnt that the EU prepared a document on a strategic partnership with India and after being in circulation for nearly a year, this was sent to New Delhi for response. The document highlights various areas and sectors for cooperation, to which New Delhi has responded positively while adding some more suggestions.
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India, Lanka agree on ferry service
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NEW DELHI: The proposed Defence cooperation agreement and discussions on the comprehensive economic partnership agreement were issues in focus on Thursday during visiting Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s meeting with Indian leaders. While both sides said they would continue discussions at various levels on these issues, they agreed to start a ferry service between India and Sri Lanka. Kumaratunga is accompanied by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Laxman Kadirgamar and Minister of Power and Energy Susil Premajayantha. External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh called on Kumaratunga and held detailed discussions on bilateral issues. During her talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Kumaratunga apprised him of the recent developments in the peace process in Sri Lanka. — ENS |
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