By IANS,
New Delhi : Chile Tuesday underlined its solidarity with India in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks and backed New Delhi for a seat in the UN Security Council as the two countries signed four pacts, including an agreement on peaceful uses of outer space.
“Chile strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Chile voiced the hope that the intellectual and actual perpetrators would be identified soon and brought to justice,” said a joint statement after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held talks here with visiting Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.
Calling for enhanced exchange of information to combat terrorism, the two leaders pushed for an “early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism”.
Backing comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including expansion of the Security Council, the two countries “stressed and acknowledged the need for continued efforts by the member states to ensure meaningful and result-oriented intergovernmental negotiations”.
“Chile reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership on an expanded UN Security Council. They also confirmed their reciprocal support for each other’s candidature for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2011-12 [India] and 2014-15 [Chile],” said the joint statement.
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy between Chile’s National Energy Commission and India’s ministry of new and renewable energy.
A pact on cooperation in the field of education and an agreement on joint exploration in uses of outer space for peaceful purposes were also signed.
Another pact on cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources was also inked between the two sides.
President Pratibha Patil hosted a state banquet and cultural programme for Bachelet Monday night, that commemorated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Chile.
Bachelet, a doctor by training and a single mother who broke many political traditions by becoming the first woman president of Chile three years ago, will also go to Agra, Mumbai and Chennai. She arrived on a five-day visit to India Monday morning.