Pranab Mukherjees visit to strengthen ties with Singapore

Indias Look East Policy got further strengthened following discussions that Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee had with Singaporean leaders, including President SR Nathan and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, here today.

Singapore, June 19 : India's Look East Policy got further strengthened following discussions that Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee had with Singaporean leaders, including President SR Nathan and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, here today.

Both countries are keen to expand economic relations as also strengthen collaboration in the field of defence and security.

A joint ministerial committee is being set up to give further impetus to the developing bilateral ties, specially in the areas of trade and economy.

Mukherjee also met his Singaporean counterpart George Yeo, after which the two sides announced setting up of a Nalanda University mentor group to work out the modalities to restore the ancient seat of learning in Bihar.

During the bilateral talks, a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed.

Mukherjee emphasized the importance of institutional arrangements to strengthen the relationship. Expanding bilateral trade after CECA was also discussed.

The two Ministers also discussed India-Singapore relations in the context of greater integration between India and the ASEAN.

The day's programme concluded with a dinner hosted by the High Commissioner of India in Singapore in honour of Mukherjee. Earlier today, Mukherjee visited the site of the INA Memorial.

The visiting Minister then released the 12th volume of Netaji's collected works at a function. The period covered by this volume is 1943-1945 when Netaji was in Singapore.

ANI