By Bernama,
Canberra : India and Australia Monday reviewed the bilateral Framework Dialogue, by underlining a strong bond and enduring shared interests that underpin their growing relationship, Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee said.
“The two countries were committed to take bilateral talks to a new and high level,” the Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted Mukerjee as saying after meeting his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith.
Reviewing the Framework Dialogue mechanism, which held its last meeting in 2005, Mukherjee and Smith welcomed the diversification and strengthening of political links between India and Australia.
The two ministers also emphasised that regular high-level political contact would continue to underpin bilateral relations, according to a joint statement issued here.
On his maiden visit to Australia, Mukherjee said this would provide another opportunity for continuing dialogue with Canberra.
Mukherjee welcomed Australia’s bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council (UNSC) seat for the 2013-2014 term and noted India would follow Australia’s initiatives in appointing an envoy to explore how an Asia-pacific community.
Recently, Australia mooted the idea of forming a Asia-Pacific grouping, on the lines of the European Union, to deal with political, security and economic challenges.