British Minister Priti Patel calls on PM

British Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Saturday and discussed cooperation in various areas, including skill development.

Modi congratulated Ms. Patel on her appointment as Secretary of State for International Development in the new British government of Prime Minister Theresa May, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

Modi recalled his successful visit to Britain in November last year, and appreciated the follow-up action taken on the outcomes of the visit.

"Patel briefed the Prime Minister on the activities and future plans of Department for International Development in India," the statement said.

"Patel also discussed bilateral cooperation in the spheres of skill development, infrastructure financing, innovation, energy, and ease of doing business," it added.

On Friday, the first day of her latest visit to India, Patel held meetings with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

She said that Britain was deepening its economic partnership with India to deliver long-term progress.

With Naidu, she discussed ways of how Britain can share its skills and expertise to drive forward India's vision for new smart cities and boost opportunities for new businesses.

--IANS

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