Brussels: Seeking to put its ties with India at a higher strategic level, the European Union (EU) today (Sep 13, 2004) highlighted the "huge scope" for enhancing trade and investment between the two sides.

During a meeting with visiting External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, the Commissioner for External Relations of the European Commission Chris Patten said the EU was looking forward to a very successful Summit meeting with India next month at The Hague where they are expected to come out with a joint action plan for giving shape to the strategic partnership.

Singh emphasised that the new Government attached a lot of importance to the further deepening and strengthening of its relationship with EU and were very keen to ensure the success of the Hague Summit.

"At the outset, Patten highlighted EU's ambition to put their relationship with India at a higher strategic level and said they were pleased with the very positive and constructive Indian response to the European Commission's communication titled 'An EU-India Strategic Partnership", it was officially stated in Brussels.

Patten also referred to the huge scope for further development of trade and investment between EU and India.

Both leaders reviewed the world scenario and exchanged views on the developments in South Asia as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Singh briefed Patten on the composite dialogue with Pakistan including his meeting last week with the Pakistan Foreign Minister in New Delhi.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to multi-lateralism and the need for UN reforms as well as the further strengthening of the efficacy of the multilateral action by the UN.

They also discussed the present status of EU's trans-Atlantic relationship.