January 18, 2005 The Prime Ministers of India and Canada met today, reviewing bilateral relations and discussing important international and regional issues. They agreed on initiatives that strengthen the India-Canada partnership and contribute to addressing global challenges more effectively. Prime Minister Martin extended his deepest condolences on behalf of the people of Canada for the tragic loss of life and damage as a result of the tsunami of 26 December 2004. The Prime Ministers briefed each other on their respective efforts in responding to the disaster and contributions to relief efforts in the region. The two Leaders underlined the need for a strong and sustained international response to such adversity and welcomed coordination of relief efforts resulting from their participation in the Core Group. A multilateral initiative for regional warning and natural disaster preparedness was recognized by them as a priority. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomed Prime Minister Martin's initiative for a meeting of G20 Leaders to discuss issues of global concern, such as terrorism, development and global public health. They agreed to work towards the recommendations of the High-Level UN Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change and reiterated their commitment towards contributing to a more effective, representative and accountable world body. Recent developments in their respective regions featured prominently in the talks, notably the transition to democracy in Afghanistan, India's dialogue with Pakistan, the situation in Iraq, and developments in South East Asia and the Americas. They agreed that our countries should enhance their dialogues on international, regional and global strategic issues. The Prime Ministers undertook to build upon the substantial progress in the bilateral partnership achieved during the last year and agreed to enhance the architecture of the Canada-India partnership as follows: Science and Technology (S&T) Initiative: Direct designated scientific advisers on each side to report on advancing S&T collaboration, conclude an inter-governmental S&T arrangement, and encourage strategic collaboration in selected areas of science and industrial technologies. India and Canada agreed to contribute expertise toward the creation of a tsunami early warning system for the countries of the Indian Ocean, in concert with multilateral efforts. Environment: Recognizing the importance of environmental management and sustainable development, agreed to deepen environmental cooperation, including the promotion of environmental friendly technologies. Partnership for Prosperity: Support a CEO Roundtable that would make recommendations for expanding economic ties; conclude an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement; and take additional steps contributing to greater investment and trade, including trade missions. People to People Links: Recognizing our shared community and common history as natural assets, they agreed to enhance people to people links through improved visa and consular services; strengthen health research co-operation; and renew our commitment to promote cultural ties in both countries. To achieve the goals set out in this Statement, the two Prime Ministers committed themselves to sustained political engagement, a structured exchange of visits at the Cabinet level and to promote dialogues between their officials. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accepted an invitation extended by Prime Minister Martin to visit Canada. -30- PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
