After sending the 123 Agreement to the US Congress, President George W Bush on Thursday invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the White House on September 25 when the two may sign the pact if it is approved by then.

The Prime Minister, who will go to the United Nations for attending the General Assembly, will travel to Washington for the meeting.

"The President also looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Singh to the White House on September 25, 2008 to strengthen the strategic partnership and to build upon our progress in other areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, education, trade and defence," White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said.

Bush ‘is pleased to approve the US-India Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation (also known as the 123 Agreement).’

"The conclusion of this agreement, which completes the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative, has been a priority for both President Bush and Prime Minister Singh, and strengthens the US-India Strategic Partnership," Perino said in a statement.

She said, "this historic achievement will bolster international non-proliferation efforts, provide economic and business opportunities in both countries, and help India address its growing energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner."

The President ‘looks forward to working with Congress to ensure passage on the agreement this year,’ she said.

Singh will be in the US from September 23 to 27.