Surat, Aug 16: External Affairs Minister, Yashwant
Sinha today underscored Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's
efforts to strengthen India's bilateral ties with neighbouring
countries.
"Vajpayee has worked out the country's foreign policy
with the noble purpose of further strengthening relations with
her neighbours," Sinha told reporters here.
He named Pakistan among other neighbours including China,
Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as
countries for strenghtening ties.
Sinha, who is on a day's visit to the city, said
countries must safeguard their national interest while
outlining foreign policies and added they should also consider
guidelines of the united nations.
"If the situation warrants under the purview of united
nations, changes can be made for peace in the global
scenario," he added.
"The Indian government took lead to improve relations
with neighbouring China, Bangladesh and Pakistan and there was
a sign of warm friendship among the people", the external
affairs minister said adding "the initiative has received
positive support from other foreign countries."
"But there will be no compromise on any burning
border-related issues at the cost of Indian soil," he said.
Sinha, who inaugurated a passport office here, also held
a series of meetings with the members of southern Gujarat
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and People of the Bihar Vikas
Parishad, Surat unit.
Bureau Report
