Hoping for a 'stronger' partnership

LOS ANGELES, MARCH 20. The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, has said in an editorial distributed by the Los Angeles Times that he was looking forward to ``better'' and ``stronger'' partnership with New Delhi after 50 years of ``missed opportunities.''

``In its 52 years since Independence, India has brought about a remarkable political, social and economic transformation,'' Mr. Clinton wrote in the editorial distributed yesterday.

``The United States and India share common values and common goals. After 50 years of missed opportunities, it is time that America and India became better friends and stronger partners,'' he wrote.

Mr. Clinton said he was looking for stronger ties with Bangladesh, a country he praised for ``making great strides, lifting its citizens out of poverty, raising the status of women, strengthening democracy, standing against terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.''

He offered qualified praise on Pakistan too, expressing his admiration for the Pakistani people while emphasising his displeasure with the coup that overthrew the democratically- elected government.

- AFP

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Section  : International
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