Washington, Feb 26: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will discuss the next steps in the bilateral civil nuclear deal during a visit to the US next month.

"We are looking forward to Mukherjee`s visit next month," said Under Secretary of State for political Affairs, Nicholas Burns.

The dates for the proposed visit are yet to be decided.

”Secretary of State Condolezza Rice is looking forward to welcoming Mukherjee in the United States and wants to focus on the major issues on regional cooperation in south Asia, Afghanistan, civilian nuclear accord, energy cooperation, space cooperation and relationship across the board," said Burns.

Burns, who will continue as special envoy for the nuclear deal, said, "Our relationship will be the symbolic centrepiece and will also end India`s 35 years of isolation in the civilian nuclear field and will be treated fairly and equitably by the international community."

Burns argued in his formal remarks at a meeting of the council on Foreign Relations that the strategic focus of Washington has changed with more attention to the Middle East and south Asia. The United States could not and should not go alone in the world. (ANI)