India, France discuss nuke cooperation, situation in region

New Delhi, May 7 (PTI) Strategic bilateral cooperation in
civil nuclear energy, defence and trade were some of the key
issues discussed between Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao
and French Secretary General in Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Pierre Sellal apart from situation in the region.
Rao, who is visiting Paris, held annual Foreign Office
Consultations on Friday with Sellal during which the two sides
reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations including
strategic cooperation in key areas, an Indian External Affairs
Ministry release said on Saturday.
"There was also an exchange of views on the regional and
international situation. The two sides also discussed the
evolving situation in North Africa and the Middle East, in
particular Libya and Syria," it said.
The two sides affirmed their determination to work
together in the United Nations Security Council to promote
peace and stability and a greater voice to the developing
world through reform of the Security Council.
They also agreed to work closely on G-20 issues during
France's Presidency of the group.
The discussions also gave an opportunity to look at
further ways of strengthening the strategic partnership
defined by the strong and future-oriented vision that was
articulated during French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to
India in December last year.
During the visit, the Foreign Secretary met Jean-David
Levitte, Diplomatic Advisor to the President and senior
officials of the French government and also addressed the
Institut Francais des Relations Internationales (IFRI) on 5th
May on the subject of 'India's Role in Global Affairs'.