New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) India and France face the “same enemies” of global terrorism and should strengthen their cooperation in counter-terrorism areas, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday.
At a press conference with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after bilateral talks, Sarkozy said that the “rise of Islamic terrorism” is expressed the “same way here and in France”. “We face the same enemies,” he asserted.
He pointed out that France has been interested in India’s neighbourhood, having a substantial troop presence in Afghanistan.
“We all know what is going on there,” he added, referring to India’s neighbour Pakistan, which is beset with political instability and extremism.
“I need not spell out why we are strengthening cooperation between our intelligence agencies,” said Sarkozy.
Manmohan Singh also stressed that it was “very important for India and France to cooperate” and share information in the “defence of values” shared by both countries.
A joint statement signed by the two leaders also reflected those sentiments.
“In order to face this common threat, both countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation against international terrorism through, inter-alia, increased operational contacts,” it said.
Sarkozy arrived Friday morning on a two-day state visit. On Saturday, he will be the guest of honour at India’s Republic Day celebrations.