India-France foreign office consultations held in Paris

Paris, May 7(ANI): The annual foreign office consultations between the Indian and French government were held in Paris this week.

The consultations were led on the Indian side by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and on the French side by Secretary General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pierre Sellal.

In their discussions, the two sides reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations including strategic cooperation in key areas including civil nuclear energy, defence, space, trade and investment, education and science and technology and culture.

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.

"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 G-20," a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.

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 the visit of the President of France to India from 4-7 December, 2010.

During the visit, Foreign Secretary Rao 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 the subject of 'India's Role in Global Affairs'. (ANI)