New York, Sep 24 : With an aim to boost India''s image on the international stage, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh met leaders from various countries on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly session here on Friday.

Holding out the promise of enhanced bilateral ties, Dr. Singh met his Japanese counterpart, Yoshihiko Noda.

Noda recently took over as Japan''s sixth premier in five years. He has already made his diplomatic debut at the UN, stressing on global economics and global security.

In their meeting, Dr. Singh and Noda discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral as well as global concern and stressed on the need to strengthen economic and political relations.

Dr. Singh also held a meeting with Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in a significant diplomatic move to cement ties with the oil-rich country.

Singh interacted with Ahmadinejad on several topics including trade, extremism and reforms in the present structure of United Nations institutions.

Dr. Singh also met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to strengthen ties.

In their meeting, Dr. Singh and Rajapakse acknowledged the need to enhance cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres of the two Asian neighbours.

Coming after a gap of three years, Singh''s visit to the UN General Assembly is significant as he is expected to raise several issues of international concern, such as the simmering turmoil in West Asia and North Africa, militancy and the global economic crisis. (ANI)