Indo-Iraq panel meet ends

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, NOV. 28. After a gap of several years, India and Iraq have concluded the meeting of their joint commission and are getting ready for a fresh round of talks.

Iraq's visiting Vice President, Mr. Taha Ramadhan, who is second in the political hierarchy, held discussions today with the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh. India sees Iraq as a player in fulfilling its energy requirements. Not surprisingly, the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Ram Naik, called on Mr. Ramadhan. India is keen on acquiring Iraqi crude which is best suited for its industry on the west coast. The recourse to Iraq for oil follows a policy decision to diversify the procurement of its petroleum needs. Besides countries in the Gulf, India sees key countries in Central Asia, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nigeria as future suppliers of oil.

Given the thrust on economic ties, Mr. Ramadhan met the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Omar Abdullah.

India has decided to give top priority to Mr. Ramadhan's visit. The visiting dignitary will call on the President and Prime Minister and address members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Wednesday.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Disability relief hiked for workers
Next     : Indo-Pak. task force on textiles to be set up