New Delhi, Sep 20 (UNI) Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday called for expanding bilateral ties between India and Mongolia in different sectors including renewable energy, especially solar energy and Information Technology.
Sustaining the momentum of India-Mongolia high-level interactions, the leaders discussed deepening bilateral cooperation to further strengthen bonds between the peoples of the two countries.
Mr Naidu met Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga here, and said the Presidential level visit from Mongolia, happening after almost a decade, was very special to India.
Both leaders condemned terrorism and agreed upon the need for united global response to tackle the menace.
Discussions on infrastructure projects, including an oil refinery and railway line were also held.
Mr Naidu also said that Mongolia joining the International Solar Alliance is an important step in expanding the cooperation between the two nations in this field.
He expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations and add new substance and dynamism in the relationship.
Observing that Mongolia and India are not only strategic partners but also spiritual brothers, Mr Naidu welcomed more students, scholars and monks from Mongolia to spend time in India and pursue Buddhist studies.
The Vice-President expressed his happiness at the unveiling of statue of Lord Buddha installed in the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar by President Battulga and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and said that the statue is a symbol of long-standing friendship between the people of India and Mongolia as well as our shared Buddhist heritage.
Stating that 2020 will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia, Mr Naidu lauded the upgradation of India- Mongolia relationship to the level of ‘strategic partnership’.
Stating that India was keen to partner with Mongolia in capacity building and offer support to develop infrastructure, the Vice-President said the A B Vajpayee Centre for Excellence in IT would provide IT education and employment to the Mongolian youth and called for its early completion.
Observing that the shared belief in democracy, freedom and efficient functioning of democratic institutions for betterment of common people make India and Mongolia natural friends and partners, Mr Naidu said that he looked forward to visiting Mongolia to commemorate 65th anniversary of establishment of India-Mongolia Relations.
Mr Naidu also applauded Mongolia’s decision to provide visa-on-arrival service to Indian tourists and businesspersons visiting Mongolia.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiran Rijiju, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, MP Prahlad Singh Patel, were among others present on the occasion.
UNI RSA ADG 1833