India will seek to strengthen ties with Russia: PM

New Delhi, Dec. 6 (ANI): Stating that over the years, India and Russia have ensured that their multi-faceted relationship acquires greater depth and maturity, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Sunday said that it would be his endeavour to take this partnership forward during his three-day visit to Moscow.

In a departure statement issued before leaving for Moscow on Sunday, Dr Singh said: "The Annual Summit is the principal mechanism for the advancement of our strategic partnership with Russia. This is a partnership based on the solid foundation of long-standing friendship, deep mutual trust and strong convergence of interests. Over the years, our multifaceted cooperation with Russia has acquired greater depth and maturity through joint efforts. We seek to strengthen these ties further."

The key points of his discussion with the Russian president are going to be cooperation in areas of defence, civil nuclear energy, space, science and technology and hydrocarbons.

"At the Summit meeting with President Medvedev, I hope to review the status of our bilateral cooperation, including in the key areas of defence, civil nuclear energy, space, science and technology and hydrocarbons," he said.

"I will also exchange views with the President on key regional and global issues such as terrorism, recovery of the global economy, energy security, climate change, nuclear disarmament and reform of international institutions."

Dr. Singh said he would be holding wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The two Prime Ministers will also together attend the closing ceremony of the 'Year of India' celebrations in Russia.

"Prime Minister Putin and I will jointly attend the closing ceremony of the Year of India in Russia. I also look forward to meeting the members of the India-Russia CEO's Council along with Prime Minister Putin. These events symbolize the mutual desire of both countries to enhance people-to-people contacts, and expand our trade and economic engagement," Singh said.

This is Dr. Singh's second visit to Russia this year, during which India and Russia will sign three defence agreements. India also hopes to sign an Inter-Governmental framework agreement for cooperation in civil nuclear field. By: Naveen Kapoor (ANI)