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`Would expand bilateral relations with India`: Swiss President
Bangalore, Nov 07: Swiss President Pascal Couchepin today said his country would expand bilateral relations with India, particularly in the scientific and disaster management areas, as he began a week-long visit to India from here.
Bangalore, Nov 07: Swiss President Pascal Couchepin today said his country would expand bilateral relations with India, particularly in the scientific and disaster management areas, as he began a week-long visit to India from here.
"First of all, to know India better and show our friendship towards this country", he told reporters at Bangalore airport when asked about the purpose of his visit to India.
"We do hope to increase cooperation between Switzerland and India in scientific matters because this country (India) is a great country with great future," he said.
A scientific cooperation agreement between Switzerland and India would be signed here today. State secretaries for scientific research and directors of the two main technical institutions of Switzerland are already in Bangalore in this regard. Couchepin said that Switzerland was seeking cooperation in information technology and biotechnology which were important for his country.
"We do not like brain drains. We would like to improve and increase exchange between two equal partners in scientific matters," he said.
In New Delhi, the visiting leader will call on President A P J Abdul Kalam and have wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the entire range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Couchepin, who is leading a high-level delegation, will also visit Hyderabad, Mumbai and undertake private visits to Chennai and Mahabalipuram.
Bureau Report
"We do hope to increase cooperation between Switzerland and India in scientific matters because this country (India) is a great country with great future," he said.
A scientific cooperation agreement between Switzerland and India would be signed here today. State secretaries for scientific research and directors of the two main technical institutions of Switzerland are already in Bangalore in this regard. Couchepin said that Switzerland was seeking cooperation in information technology and biotechnology which were important for his country.
"We do not like brain drains. We would like to improve and increase exchange between two equal partners in scientific matters," he said.
In New Delhi, the visiting leader will call on President A P J Abdul Kalam and have wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the entire range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Couchepin, who is leading a high-level delegation, will also visit Hyderabad, Mumbai and undertake private visits to Chennai and Mahabalipuram.
Bureau Report