FM: India to strengthen ties with neighbors

NEW DELHI, May 23 -- India gives highest priority to strengthening relations with its neighbors in order to build a peaceful environment for economic development, said India's newly appointed Minister of External Affairs S.M. Krishna on Saturday.

In his first meeting with media after taking the portfolio, Krishna said India's primary objective is to sustain high economic growth, so it needs peace and tranquility in its "extended neighborhood" and a "supportive international environment."

Krishna also said he looks forward to visiting India's neighboring countries soon.

He said India will also consolidate its existing strategic partnership with the United States, Russia, China, Japan and the European Union, and further traditional ties with Africa, West Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

The 77-year-old foreign minister was former chief minister of the southern state of Karnataka where the IT city of Bangalore is located.