President Pranab Mukherjee today said Pacific Island countries are a key factor in India's extended Act East policy.<br/><br/>The Heads of State and Government participating in second Summit of Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC) called on President at Rashtrapati Bhavan .<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, the President said, even though India is separated from the Pacific Island Countries by oceans and continents, India is proud to have a long tradition of close friendship with them.<br/><br/>He said, India Government attaches great importance to its relations with their friends in the Pacific Island Countries.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee said, the Pacific Island Countries are generously endowed with natural resources and India will be happy to work with them in harnessing their mineral, marine and hydrocarbon resources.<br/><br/>He also said, Government of India and private sector are keen to strengthen and diversify bilateral trade and encourage investments in fisheries, agriculture, oil and natural gas, mining and water desalination.<br/><br/>The two day FIPIC Summit is beginning at Jaipur tomorrow.