Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who met Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam, indicated that Australia would participate in the upcoming Global Investor Meet to be held here in May.
“We have got a personal invitation and we had discussions on how Australia can engage in this process,” she said, addressing a press conference here. “We are keen on economic ties with southern India. The Global Investor’s meet will be an opportunity,” she added.
Ms. Bishop said there were discussions on sports too. “We spoke about sports and how Australian sportsmen can help in India sportsmen and women acquire skills.” She referred to Australian cricket players who were a part of the MRF PACE academy to develop fast bowlers in India. During her visit to Chennai, she met up with industrialists in the city. “I met up with business leaders here in Chennai and spoke about the opportunities and challenges in enhancing economic relationships,” she said.
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She made it clear that Australia would not allow human trafficking. “Our position on people smuggling is resolute,” she said.
When asked about uranium supply to India, she said there was no rethinking by Australia. Some agreements had to be signed and the civil nuclear agreement signed between Australia and India has to be ratified by her country’s Parliament.
The first shipment of uranium to India would happen after the framework is in place. “The process is expected to be completed by end of this year,” she said. On Adani group’s coal mining project in Australia, she said approvals were under way.
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“We are keen on economic ties with southern India. The meet will be an opportunity”