The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : International centre opened

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 20, 2007
ePaper

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

International centre opened

Staff Reporter

To focus on foreign policies and international peace

SHARING VIEWS: Governor R.L. Bhatia with the former Foreign Secretary K.P.S. Menon (right) and Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi at the inauguration of the Kerala International Centre in the city on Saturday. — Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi has said that the Kerala International Centre (KIC) will play a key role in placing the foreign policies of the country in the correct perspective.

He was speaking at a function organised to inaugurate the centre, a forum for discussing and analysing the foreign policy of the country, here on Saturday.

"Foreign policies cannot be stagnant. Today the civil society actively debates the foreign polices adopted by our country," Mr. Ravi said.

Governor R.L. Bhatia, who inaugurated the centre, said the country should take into consideration various factors such as globalisation, rise of China and the emergence of terrorism while formulating its foreign policy.

Navtej Sarna, spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, said foreign policy of late was being increasingly impacted by the experiences of common man.

"Think-tanks have played a unique role in the formulation of foreign policies around the world. India's relation with countries in the Middle East will be one of the key areas of the centre," Mr. Sarna said. The KIC, which promises to work towards achieving international peace, harmony and co-operation will study the political, economic, social, educational and scientific developments of the State that have an impact on international relations. The centre will also offer assistance in implementing the programmes of the United Nations in the area of development, health, education and culture. Some of the proposed activities of the centre include research on select topics, seminars discussions, conferences, consultancy services, guidance for competitive examinations, interaction with non-resident Keralites, setting up of a modern library and publications. T.P. Sreenivasan, former ambassador, is the managing trustee and director general of the centre. K.P.S. Menon, former foreign secretary, presided over the function.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail