Astana, (Kazakhstan) Apr. 7 : Visiting Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has told the Chairman of the Kazakh Senate, Kassym Jomart Tokayev that India will support Kazakhstan in the areas of education, information technology and health.

A communique from the Vice-President's office said that their discussions primarily focused on expanding economic cooperation in various fields, but particularly in the hydrocarbon sector. Ansari said there were immense possibilities for expanding bilateral engagement in economic, commercial, cultural, scientific and political spheres.

Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan's support to India for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

He said both countries have agreed to set up a cooperation group to push the volume in trade and commerce, and it was agreed that civil society would have to play a greater role in achieving this objective.

Ansari asserted that greater economic engagement between India and Central Asian countries would not only prove beneficial mutually, but also help enhance potential for the region and the rest of the world.

"India has understood the importance of managing diversity and are harnessing it for the well being of the people. The essence of democracy lies in ensuring responsiveness and transparency," Ansari said.

Ansari said that he would hold wide-ranging discussions with President Nursultan Nazarbaev and other leaders on regional and international issues on Tuesday. Cooperation in oil and gas, terrorism, security situation and developments in Afghanistan would also figure prominently in the talks.

India has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the oil sector with the Kazakh Government.

ANI