New Delhi: India today said it has signed agreements with oil-rich Brunei to enhance cooperation to promote and protect bilateral investments, strengthen cultural and sports ties and collaborate in the area of space sciences research.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday held discussions with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu Lzzaddin Waddaulah on a wide range of subjects including economic, trade and investment, defence, information and communication technology, space, shipping ports, health, culture, arts sports and consular areas.

After the talks, the two sides signed an agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments and inked Memoranda of Understanding for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technology, in the fields of Culture, Arts and Sports, on the establishment of Joint Trade Committee.

The two sides also signed an MoU on cooperation in the Operation of the Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles and for Cooperation in the field of Space Research Science and Applications, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said here.

During the visit, the Sultan called on President Pratibha Patil and met Vice President Hamid Ansari.

Patil hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary who also met Chairperson of the UPA Sonia Gandhi, Minister of Finance P. Chidambaram, Minister of Defence A K Antony and Minister of State of External Affairs E. Ahamed.

The two sides held bilateral discussions in an atmosphere of traditional friendship, warmth and deep understanding, Sarna said.

Source : PTI