India, Mexico face task of inclusive growth: Patil

In the first high-level visit by an Indian leader to Mexico after Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, President Pratibha Patil...

In the first high-level visit by an Indian leader to Mexico after Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, President Pratibha Patil on Thursday said both countries were working together for establishing a fair world order. 8220;Our two countries also hold similar world views. We are working together towards the establishment of a more just, humane and fair world order,8221; said Patil in her brief speech before inspecting the Guard of Honour at Los Pinos, the palace of her Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon.

Patil also underlined that both countries faced a challenge to bring about inclusive growth. 8220;India and Mexico face common challenges. The focus of our policies is the betterment of the lives of our people. We are engaged in this major endeavour through systems of political governance that are rooted in plural democracy. Our overriding challenge is inclusive growth, not simply growth,8221; she said.

Calderon, quoting from the writings of Noble laureate Octavio Paz, who was Mexican Ambassador to India from 1962-68, said: 8220;Indian people are very hospitable and follow the religion of friendship.8221; Calderon also spoke about enhancing relationship in educational and cultural fields.

Both presidents held discussions on the state of bilateral relations and cooperation in international fora. 8220;The trade and economic aspect of our partnership provides a critical underpinning to the overall edifice of our relations. We have agreed that bilateral trade and investment needs to grow. This is a challenge that we have placed before our businessmen and industrialists. The opportunities are enormous and we will, no doubt, achieve further success in this endeavour,8221; Patil said in a press statement. She also invited the Mexican President to pay an official visit to India again.

Both countries signed an air services agreement and an MoU for promoting cooperation in the field of renewable energy. 8220;India has an important role in Mexico8217;s relations with the Asia pacific region. There can be greater interactions in a number of areas such as infrastructure and food processing,8221; Calderon is learnt to have said after both sides signed the agreements.