India is a rising star: German foreign minister

Wednesday, 14 July 2004, 19:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: Germany attaches great importance to its ties with India, which is a "rising star both in economic and political terms", German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said here Wednesday. Fischer made the remark when he called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, said an official statement. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including developments in South Asia, the Middle East and Iraq. "Both sides agreed that the need of the hour in Iraq is for the international community to focus on achieving political normalisation and economic reconstruction," the statement said. Manmohan Singh affirmed India's intention to continue the ongoing dialogue with Pakistan and "to resolve all issues in a peaceful manner through dialogue while adopting a practical approach". He, however, noted that economic relations between the two countries "do not as yet match the potential", the statement said. Manmohan Singh stressed there was much greater scope for increased investment and trade. The proposed visit of German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder in October would provide another opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, Fischer said.
Source: IANS
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