Asthana (Kazakhstan), Apr 7 : Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Monday gave assurance to the Chairman of the Kazakh Senate, Kassym Jomart Tokayev, for full support in the areas of education, information technology and health.

A communique from the Vice-President's office said that the 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 United Nations (UN) Security Council.

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 is harnessing it for the well being of the people. The essence of democracy lies in ensuring responsiveness and transparency," said Ansari.

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 sector, 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.

Earlier on Saturday, India and Turkmenistan signed a historic pact to open avenues for bilateral cooperation in the Hydrocarbon sector.

ANI