India appreciates Kazakhstan’s support on terror: Krishna

ASTANA - Visiting External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Wednesday thanked Kazakhstan for its steadfast support to India in the fight against terrorism; especially after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

“Both of our countries [are] strongly opposed to terrorism. I would like to thank Kazakhstan for its steadfast support to India in our fight against terror, particularly after the dastardly terror attack on Mumbai on 26 November, 2008,” said Krishna.

Commenting on bilateral ties between India and Kazakhstan, Krishna said: “India and Kazakhstan have a strong congruence of use and major regional and international issues.”

Krishna’s comments on Kazakhstan’s support for India against terror was preceded by both countries signing an agreement to boost cultural cooperation.

The agreement was signed by Secretary, Minister of Culture, Jawhar Sircar and Kazakhstan’s Culture Minister Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed.

During the joint press conference held following to the agreement signing, Krishna said: “I am here to build on those and also to work out a roadmap for brining projects in diverse sectors to fruition.”

Krishna also chose this occasion to invite the Kazak companies to utilize the opportunities India has on offer in its pursuit to build infrastructure at a large scale.

“We would also like to invite Kazak companies to invest in India and take advantage of the high market that India has to offer. Incidentally, India is going in for a very huge, massive expansive of its infrastructural facilities,” said Krishna.

“And, I am sure that Kazak investment in terms of India’s pursuit to build its infrastructure is most welcome,” he added.

Replying to a question, Krishna said: “I had a very warm, cordial, and fruitful meeting with Saudabayeb. We, very comprehensively, reviewed our bilateral ties in all spheres including political, strategic, security, economic, commercial, and social and cultural affairs.”

Krishna also described the visit of Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev to India as the chief guest on the Republic Day of India as “a landmark visit”. (ANI)