Cairns: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd Friday assured External Affairs Minister S M Krishna that all steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of Indian students as they discussed the issues in the backdrop of recent attacks.
After the 20-minutes-long close door meeting, Krishna expressed his satisfaction at the steps taken by the Australian government to stop attacks on Indian students.
"I am satisfied with the assurances give to me by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd," Krishna told reporters after emerging from the meeting.
"Prime Minister Rudd is fully aware of the sensitivity of the issues concerning students. He informed about the remedial measures already taken by the government. I am
satisfied that Australian government at Federal and state levels are fully geared to meet the situation," he said.
Krishna said that "Rudd described India as emerging power and I am convinced that Indian students coming here will be safe and taken care off."
Australian PM also told Krishna that Indian students were welcome in his country.
Apart from student`s issue, Krishna and Rudd discussed a range of bilateral issues including trade. Issues pertaining to terrorism were also discussed, however, talks on export of uranium did not figure in the meeting.
Kevin Rudd to visit India
Australia will mount three high- profile visits, including by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, to India this year as part of Canberra`s efforts to reinforce ties with New Delhi in the backdrop of a series of attacks on Indian students Down Under.
"Three high-profile visits by Australian leaders were being planned that include Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Stephen
Smith," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters.
Krishna, who is on a five-day visit to Australia, said, "We are looking forward to these three high-profile meetings that will be held in India."
Rudd`s visit to India may take place in November. "I had a meeting with Indian community leaders, Indian students, premier of New South Wales Nathan Rees and today
itself I had a meeting with Prime Minister.
Bureau Report
