FOR PRESS 29 ja nur 1979
INDIA-AUSTRALIA JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
The Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister of Australia, is
paying a visit to India for nine days from 25 January to
2 February, 1979. During his stay he has called on the
President of India, Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy.
Discussions have been held between Mr. Fraser and the Prime
Minister of India, Shri Morarji Desai, the two Deputy
Prime Ministers of India and other Cabinet Ministers.
The discussions covered a wide range of international and
regional issues as well as the further development of
bilateral relations between India and Australia. The talks,
which took place in a spirit of utmost cordiality and
understanding, were very valuable.
The two Prime Ministers took pleasure in recalling their
earlier meetings and discussions, particularly at the
Commonwealth Heads of Government Regional Meeting in Sydney
in February 1978, which had helped to bring the two
countries closer together. The two Prime Ministers felt that
their countries had many interests in common and that it
would be to their mutual advantage further to build in
practical ways on the close ties already existing between
their peoples and governments.
The discussions identified ways in which the relationship
between India and Australia could be developed further.
Officials from the two countries will be discussing the
practical basis for further cooperation, particularly in
science, technology, trade, energy and related areas.
The two Prime Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the
advantages to be derived from membership of the Commonwealth.
They expressed the hope that this institution would prove
increasingly useful as a forum for mutual cooperation and
they recalled with satisfaction the cooperation already
achieved among the countries of the region. / 2
2
The two Prime Ministers considered the international
situation in depth. They noted that there were areas of
grave concern as well as of positive satisfaction on
the world scene. Among the subjects on which the
discussions particularly focussed were the situation in
South Asia and the neighbouring countries, South East
Asia and the Indian Ocean.
Both Prime Ministers agreed that there was an urgent need
today for both aligned and non-aligned countries to find
positive ways to reduce tensions. This should not be
left to the super-powers alone. They re-affirmed that India
and Australia from their respective positions India as
a member of the non-aligned movement and Australia as an
aligned country could play a useful role in promoting
peace and stability by advocating responsible attitudes
and constructive solutions to world problems.
It was recognised that the two countries had different
historical and cultural backgrounds but shared democratic
experience and a common belief that differences could be
resolved if there were consideration for the views of others
and a genuine desire to seek out common objectives and
grounds for agreement. Because of their respective and distinct
positions, further developing their relations and working
together more closely would help in creating an atmosphere
conducive to cooperation rather than confrontation among
nations. The Prime Ministers recorded their determination to strengthen
the warm relationship between their two countries and also
their intention to advocate and pursue the cause of
moderation. The Prime Minister of Australia expressed his sincere
appreciation of the warm welcome and hospitality-received by
him and his family during this visit. He extended an
invitation to the Prime Minister of India to visit
Australia. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.
During his stay in New Delhi, the Prime Minister of
Australia was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations
in the capital. He left New Delhi on 29 January, 1979, to
visit Pantnagar, Chandigarh, Udaipur and Bombay. He is
accompanied by Mrs. Fraser and three of their children and
by senior officials of the Australian Government.
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