Cairns: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Friday assured External Affairs Minister S M Krishna that all steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of Indian students as they discussed the issues in the backdrop of recent attacks.
After the 20-minute-long close door meeting, Krishna expressed his satisfaction at the steps taken by the Australian government to stop attacks on Indian students.
"I am satisfied with the assurances given to me by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd," Krishna said after emerging from the meeting.
"Prime Minister Rudd is fully aware of the sensitivity of the issues concerning students. He informed about the remedial measures already taken by the government. I am satisfied that Australian government at Federal and state levels are fully geared to meet the situation," he said.
Krishna said that "Rudd described India as emerging power and I am convinced that Indian students coming here will be safe and taken care off."
The Australian Prime Minister also told Krishna that Indian students were welcome in his country.
Apart from student's issue, Krishna and Rudd discussed a range of bilateral issues including trade. Issues pertaining to terrorism were also discussed, however, talks on export of uranium did not figure in the meeting.