New Delhi, Oct 03: Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma today said strengthening of economic cooperation would be accorded top priority during his talks with Indian leaders and stressed that this was a significant year in which the two nations "renewed their strategic partnership." Kuchma, who was given a ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here marking the beginning of his four-day visit to the country, said "we are interested in deepening and expanding cooperation with India in all fields with economic cooperation being the top priority."
The Ukranian leader, who was received by President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, external affairs minister Yashwant Sinha and several other ministers, senior officials and members of the diplomatic community, said he would also discuss the international situation with Indian leaders.
"The current year has been significant in that the two countries renewed their strategic partnership," he said.
He said during his talks with Indian leaders issues pertaining to military and technical cooperation will also figure.
Kuchma who arrived here last night would also be participating in a joint business meeting with CII and FICCI. He is accompanied by a large business delegation.
During his stay, the two countries would also be inking several agreements, including an extradition treaty and another treaty on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters.
The two sides will also sign an agreement for cooperation on merchant shipping. Bureau Report