New Delhi, Nov 19: Czechoslovakian Foreign Minister, Karel Schwarzenberg, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here today on the first day of his four-day visit to India.

Schwarzenberg is expected to discuss and deliberate on various issues with his Indian counterpart, Pranab Mukherjee.

The visiting dignitary will also hold talks with Union Minster for New and Renewable Energy, Vilas Muttemwar.

The visit is against the backdrop of a flourishing bilateral trade between the two countries.

In 2006, the bilateral trade was to the tune of 665 million dollars. This is expected to go further up during 2007, which has already crossed 605 million dollars mark up to August 2007, with Indian exports of 263 million dollars and Indian imports of 342 million dollars.

This year, India and the Czech Republic are celebrating 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations commencing from November 13, 2007.

Czechoslovakia first established a Consulate in Bombay in 1920 and in Kolkata soon thereafter.

The number of Indian students also visiting the Czech republic for higher studies in professional courses such as medical, dental and engineering is on an increase. (ANI)