Bush invites PM to White House

Manmohan Singh will meet US President George W Bush on September 25 in Washington and the two may sign the 123 Agreement if it is approved by the American Congress by then.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet US President George W Bush on September 25 in Washington when the two may sign the 123 Agreement if it is approved by the American Congress by then.

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The prime minister, who will go to the United Nations for attending the General Assembly, will travel to Washington for the meeting.

Bush "looks forward" to welcoming Singh on September 25 to "strengthen the strategic partnership" and to build on the progress in other areas of cooperation such as agriculture, education, trade and defence, the White House said on Thursday.

"The President is pleased to approve the US-India Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation (also known as the 123 Agreement).

"The conclusion of this agreement, which completes the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative, has been a priority for both President Bush and Prime Minister Singh, and strengthens the US-India Strategic Partnership," White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said in a statement.