India, EU to intensify co-operation

EU High Representative Javier Solana says dialogue and cooperation will be intensified in many areas, across the whole spectrum of political issues.

The European Union and India are planning to intensify cooperation in many areas including security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism, said the EU High Representative for a Common and Security Policy, Javier Solana.

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In a sort of curtain raiser before India-EU Summit in New Delhi, Solana told the media in Brussles: "Dialogue and cooperation will be intensified in many areas, across the whole spectrum of issues and subjects in the political field.

"Our goal is to maximise our contribution to global peace and security, contribute to the resolution of regional crisis situations and promote an effective multilateral approach.

"We are poised to start a security dialogue," he said referring to talks between India and Pakistan. Hailing the peace talks, he said, "The EU welcomes warmly the positive turn in India-Pakistan relations.

"We appreciate the flexibility shown by the two sides in taking steps to normalise relations. We are ready to support all efforts that contribute to a peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues," he added.