Prez for coordination between India, France on marine security

India and France should have close coordination in matters related to maritime security and countering threats posed by terrorists and their facilitators, President Pranab Mukherjee has said. Describing France as India's oldest, closest and most reliable partner, Mukherjee hoped that the strategic partnership between the two nations will continue to progress and mature in the years to come. "We are concerned when there is instability in our region; and we value constructive consultations with all concerned on the issues that must be addressed carefully. The sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, similarly, are threatened by acts of piracy, evoking the necessity of closer co-ordination in maritime security," he said in a speech during a banquet hosted for French President Francois Hollande at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday. "As countries that have repeatedly experienced terrorist attacks, we must give due priority to addressing the threats to international peace and security posed by terrorists and their facilitators," he said. The President said the success of "our joint efforts reminds us that India and France have similar aspirations" and both are committed to working bilaterally and multilaterally to shape a new global agenda for inclusive growth. (MORE)