India has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement and stressed its 'enduring relevance' in the current international situation.
UNITED NATIONS: India has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement and stressed its 'enduring relevance' in the current international situation.
Participating in the closed door interactive discussion on "concrete measures to strengthen the capacity for action," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee pointed out that the strength of the Movement has historically been its inclusiveness which enabled to take into account the diverse interest in the 118-member group.
Reasserting New Delhi's firm support to NAM, he said it had enduring relevance in the international situation prevailing now.
Before attending meeting of the Coordination Bureau of NAM, Mukherjee participated in the ministerial meeting of the Asian Development Dialogue (ACD) where the countries discussed regional situation and reviewed the ongoing cooperative endeavours within the group.
The ministers also discussed ideas to begin a cultural dialogue within the group, officials said. Kazakhstan offered to host to next ministerial level meeting in Astana in October 2008.
Mukherjee, who is here to attend the annual session of the UN General Assembly, had bilateral discussions with Foreign Ministers of several countries including Mohammed Benaissa of Morocco, Ahmed Aboul Gheith of Egypt, Bernard Kouchner of France and Miguel Angel de Morantinos of Spain.
Mukherjee also called on Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius thanking him for support to the Indian candidature for permanent seat in an expanded Security Council which was extended earlier in the day during a statement to the General Assembly.
In their meeting, the Indian and Egyptian foreign ministers agreed to increase the frequency of high-level interaction. Both leaders noted the rapid development of economic relations and bilateral trade, but agreed that the existing potential was yet to be realized.
They agreed to consider expanding cooperation into new areas, such as the development of renewable sources of energy.
They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia
With his French counterpart, Mukherjee reviewed bilateral cooperation, including in the defence, energy, science and technology and political spheres.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on the international situation and discussed issues of mutual interest.
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