India, France discuss nuke cooperation, situation in region

Rao, who is visiting Paris, held annual Foreign Office Consultations yesterday with Sellal during which the two sides reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations including strategic cooperation in key areas, an External Affairs Ministry release said today.
"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'.