Monday, May 9 2005 08:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Moscow: Arriving on a three-day visit to Russia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (May 8, 2005) began his bilateral engagements, meeting Presidents of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan who supported India's candidacy as a permanent member of the expanded UN Security Council (UNSC).

During their separate 45-minute meetings in Moscow with Singh, Tajik President Emamali Rahmonov and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev noted the growing need for reforming the UNSC and backed India's candidacy as a strong candidate, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.

Rahmonov was effusive in reiterating the importance attached by Tajikistan to its ties with India and wanted India to play an active role in the development of his country and the Central Asian region.

He expressed desire for the active Indian participation in the infrastructural projects including hydro-electricity and road construction.

During their 'friendly and cordial' meeting, the PM noted India's traditional cultural links with Tajikistan and Central Asian region, regarded by New Delhi as India's 'extended neighborhood.

He assured that India, which generates 30,000 MW hydropower, has an expertise to provide assistance to the Mountain Republic.

Manmohan Singh lauded the Tajik leader for his efforts for developing a secular society in his country and promised that soon India will take proactive steps for the developmental projects in the Central Asian Republics.

He mooted cooperation with Tajikistan and other regional nations in the field of pharmaceuticals and IT including setting up joint ventures.

Rahmonov briefed Singh on his recent visit to neighboring Afghanistan and called for efforts to prevent the resurgence of extremist and fundamentalist forces in that country.

President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan also wanted India to play a 'greater role' in the infrastructural development, IT and hydrocarbon projects in the vast Central Asian region.