US President George W. Bush today spoke to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the telephone this evening and congratulated him on his appointment and the election victory.During the eight-minute conversation, both leaders agreed to strengthen the multi-faceted relations between the two countries. The MEA spokesperson later said the national security advisors of the two countries will remain in constant touch.The PM also received a call from his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapakse congratulating him on his assumption of office. Singh too felicitated Rajapakse for his appointment as the Sri Lankan Prime minister last month.Observing that the bilateral relations were in an ‘‘excellent’’ state, the two leaders agreed to work together and further strengthen the relationship. They also decided to soon start discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.During the telephonic conversation, Singh told Rajapakse that India supported the peace process in Sri Lanka. He hoped that the process will result in a solution which preserved the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka while fulfiling the aspirations of all people there.French President Jacques Chirac has congratulated Singh on his assumption of office and invited him to visit Paris. In a message to the Prime Minister, Chirac said the recent elections demonstrated the extraordinary strength of the Indian democracy.They also reflected the deep attachment of the Indian people for secular values, which France particularly cherished.
