India has extended a line of credit of 40 million US Dollars development assistance to Burundi and also signed MoU's in areas of rural development, education, health and medicine. The MoU's were inked in the presence of visiting President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi this morning.

Speaking on the ocassion, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, New Delhi is committed to the development of infrastructure in Burundi. Dr. Singh said, in addition to the 80 million US Dollars line of credit for the important Kabu hydroelectric project currently under operation, India have agreed to extend a new line of credit worth over 40 million Dollars to Burundi for a farm mechanization and food processing project. The Prime Minister said, besides, India will also set up an Information and technology Centre of Excellence in Burundi.

Dr. Singh said, the MoU's signed today, will enable both countries to continue to undertake structured cooperation in vital areas of human development. He said, both countries have decided to further enhance bilateral cooperation over a wide range of areas. The two leaders held delegation level talks this morning on issues of bilateral, regional and international importance including threat of piracy and the urgent need of UN reforms. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, he has requested the Burundi President to facilitate Indian investments in Agriculuture, Infrastructure and Manufacturing sectors in line with its national development aims. Dr. Singh said, Burundi President's visit has rendered a fresh impetus to boosting bilateral relations with india.

The President of Burundi, Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza said, his delegation level talks held with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were extremely fruitful. He also extended Burundi's support for India's bid for a permanent Membership at the refromed and expanded United Nations Security Council.

The President of the Republic of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza is on a 3-day State visit to India. Burundi is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Africa. AIR Correspondent reports, as part of pan-African initiatives by India, an India-Africa Institute for Educational Planning and Administration and a vocational training centre are also being set up in Burundi.