Clinton meets Jayalalithaa in Chennai
By agencies   |   Thursday, 21 July 2011, 18:29 IST
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Clinton meets Jayalalithaa in Chennai
Chennai: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today described Tamil Nadu as one of the "most industrialised, globalised and educated" states in India. Making her first visit to Chennai, Clinton won instant applause from students and opinion makers as she began her address with the traditional vernacular greeting in Tamil, "Vanakkam". She also told her audience how delighted she was to be in Chennai, which she described as "xtraordinary" cultural city of the South. "I have been coming to India since the 1990s as my country's first lady, senator and Secretary of State in Obama administration. But this is the first opportunity to come to this extraordinary cultural city of the South and one that means so much to so many in my own country and elsewhere...", she said. Her packed programme also included a call on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, interaction with working women's forum members and visit to Kalakshetra where she witnessed Kathakali and Bharatanatyam forms of dance. Flying in here from New Delhi Wednesday afternoon Clinton addressed an audience of students, opinion makers and other citizens for nearly 45 minutes at the newly-built and the country's largest public library - Anna Centenary Library - here. She said: "We are betting on India's future. Opening of India's market will result in prosperous India and South Asia. We are betting on the advances made in science and technology that will enrich the human lives. India's vibrant democracy will also produce good results." Referring to the relationship between India and the US she said: "I find there are those who raise questions about the relationship between the two countries. We two are different nations. But the common interest is stepping up the economic relationship." Citing the strategic dialogue between India and the U.S. Clinton said she had met wide array of Indian officials and the work has produced good results. According to her the two governments are working on clean energy, climate change control, protecting cyber space and increase bilateral trade. She said the passport to India is more of American students to study in India and create a bond between the youth and future leaders of both the countries. Stating that India's leadership role in the global space is growing Clinton said the two countries can work together in promoting democratic values in the Middle East and other regions. She said the Election Commission of India is sharing its best practices in conducting polls with Egypt and others. Clinton said India and the US are working together in G20 forum to promote clean energy, climate change and other areas. She also said the two countries are working on nuclear non-proliferation and called upon Iran to abide by international norms. According to her democracy, economics, climate change, nuclear non-proliferation are the major areas where U.S. and the Indian interests converge. Recalling the old Silk Route that connected Europe, Egypt, Arabia, Central Asia, India and ultimately China, she said a new Silk Route has to be established. She said the economic activity in this region has to get going as no country can be giving aid to another for a long time. According to Clinton, Afghanistan can attract new investments which can create more jobs in countries like Pakistan and India. She said the U.S. is stepping up commercial diplomacy in the Asia Pacific region. Referring to the upcoming East Asian Summit at Indonesia Clinton, said her country will collaborate with India and others. "We encourage India to look East and Act East," she said. She said the issue that is high on the agenda of U.S. President Barack Obama who will be attending the summit is the maritime security and development of disaster relief. Clinton urged India to speak out on human right violations in this region and cited Burma where people are treated badly. Stating that India can help Sri Lanka Clinton said Sri Lankans deserve the same hope and opportunity of the future.

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