Thursday, September 8 2005 15:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Udaipur: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his British counterpart Tony Blair today (Sept 8, 2005) held extensive talks on a wide range of issues covering terrorism, environment and UN affairs.

The two leaders, who held one-to-one talks, which continued, at the delegation level, also exchanged perceptions on managing globalisation.

This historic city became the venue for the meeting following a last minute change from Mashobra near Shimla due to foggy conditions. Arriving by separate aircraft, the two leaders, who were received at the Dhabok airport by Rajasthan Industry Minister Narpat Singh Razvi, proceeded to the majestic Udai Vilas Palace hotel for the bilateral talks.

Meeting for the second time in two days, Singh and Blair posed for cameramen at the forecourt of the palatial hotel in front of a lily pond with their national flags fluttering in the backdrop. Singh, in his trademark white kurta pyjama with half-jacket and blue turban, warmly shook hands with a smiling Blair.

The two leaders had yesterday (Sept 7, 2005) met in Delhi for the landmark India-EU Summit, which came out with a comprehensive Joint Action Plan and a Political Declaration. Blair, who is the current President of EU Council, led the European team.

Singh and Blair will hold a joint press conference in Delhi before the British Premier leaves for London this evening.