India, Italy ink pacts to firm up space ties

India and Italy today signed six bilateral accords, including some involving cooperation on space, science and technology. A high-level Ital...

India and Italy today signed six bilateral accords, including some involving cooperation on space, science and technology. A high-level Italian delegation accompanying President Azeglio Ciampi signed the accord on space cooperation with ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair in the presence of PM Manmohan Singh.

Around 92 high technology areas were identified in another agreement outlining a programme of cooperation in science and technology during 2005-07, inked by Secretary at the Department of Science and Technology V.S. Ramamurthy and Italian Ambassador Antonio Armellini.

Annual meetings between Foreign ministers of both countries has been envisaged in the MoU on political cooperation signed by External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh and his Italian counterpart Gianfranco Fini. An MoU on cooperation for the conservation of paintings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves was signed by I&B Minister S. Jaipal Reddy and the Italian Minister for Culture.

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President Ciampi said: ‘‘It is a pleasure and privilege for me to be here. The visit is extremely significant because it offers an opportunity for two peace-loving countries to reiterate their commitment to peace and consolidate their ties.’’

India and Italy will sign several accords to enhance bilateral cooperation in fisheries, preservation of heritage and other areas during Ciampi’s five-day state visit.

The post-election situation in Iraq, UN reforms, EU-India strategic partnership and other issues of mutual concern are expected to come up during talks he will have with the PM and other leaders.

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