Washington: After asking US Congress to approve the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, President George Bush on Thursday invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the White House on September 25 to strengthen the bilateral partnership in other areas.
"The president is pleased to approve the US-India Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation (also known as the 123 Agreement)," the White House said hours after Bush sent the implementing accord to the legislature.
"The president looks forward to working with Congress to ensure passage on the agreement this year," it said in a statement as officials led by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice kept up the push to hasten the approval process.
"The conclusion of this agreement, which completes the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative, has been a priority for both President Bush and Prime Minister Singh, and strengthens the US-India Strategic Partnership," it said.
"This historic achievement will bolster international non-proliferation efforts, provide economic and business opportunities in both countries, and help India address its growing energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner.
"The president also looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Singh to the White House on Sep 25, 2008, to strengthen the Strategic Partnership and build upon our progress in other areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, education, trade, and defence," the White House statement added.
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