Asserting that there was a need to "clear the air" over the spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia, Chief Minister of India's southern state Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah Monday said bilateral delegations and discussions will help improve ties between the two countries.
"There is a need to strengthen the ties between India and Australia in various spheres. At the same time there is also a need to clear the air over the safety of Indian students in view of the recent attacks," Rosaiah told a visiting Australian delegation.
The delegation that has been touring India to build bilateral relationship in areas like education, business, culture and sports called on
the Chief Minister here.
The Chief Minister said Hyderabad and Australian cities could exchange cooperation in areas like information technology, bio-technology,
infrastructure, agriculture, mining, irrigation and water resources.
The delegation told the Chief Minister that Australian cities Brisbane and Ipswich were keen on establishing "Sister City" relationship with
Hyderabad as they have many commonalities. This would also include enhancing business ties between the cities.
The delegation informed Rosaiah that they were keen on strengthening harmony in Indo-Australia relationship and also expressed interest in taking guardianship of the students studying in Queensland.
Rosaiah lauded Australia's efforts and promised to extend all support to the harmony-building measures.
On the invitation of the Australian delegation to visit their country, the Chief Minister agreed to send a team of officials as a precursor to his trip.
Lord Mayor Paul Pisasale from City of Ipswich, Lord Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk from City of Brisbane and other officials were part of the Australian delegation.