New Delhi, May 26: US President George W Bush spoke to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this evening and congratulated him on his appointment as the two leaders agreed to strengthen the multi-faceted relations between the two countries. The telephonic conservation, which lasted eight minutes, was warm and cordial, External Ministry spokesman said. Bush also congratulated him on his election victory as well as appointment as Prime Minister.
They agreed that relations between the two countries are strong and multi-faceted. Both countries will work together to strengthen this, the spokesman said.
He said it was agreed that the national security advisors of the two countries will remain in touch with each other. The Prime Minister also received a call from his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapakse congratulating him on his assumption of office.
Singh in turn, felicitated Rajapakse for his appointment as the Sri Lankan Prime Minister last month.
Observing that Indo-Sri Lankan relations were "excellent", the two leaders agreed to work together to further strengthen them. They also decided to soon commence discussions on the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the two countries.
During the telephonic conversation, Singh said India supported the peace process in Sri Lanka and hoped that it will result in a solution that preserved the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the island nation and fulfilled the aspirations of all people there.
Bureau Report