New Delhi
25 January 2006
India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday declared their intent repeat
intent to become partners in the fight against global terrorism when both countries
signed a memorandum of understanding on combating crime.
On the occasion, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud observed that he was against any
support -- financial or moral -- to terrorism and said that the long-term struggle against
terrorism would be carried on until this scourge was completely eliminated.
The first State visit by a Saudi monarch to India in 51 years also presented both sides
with the opportunity to review regional isues including India's relations with her
neighbours besides energy security and trade matters.
In his talks with the monarch, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India "[looked] at
Saudi Arabia as a very important partner in combating global terrorism" and hoped that
the agreement will further strengthen cooperation.
King Abdullah, in turn, underlined his desire to move this "special relationship" forward
for the benefit of both countries and felt there was a need to work together on terrorism.
The spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs said the one-on-one discusions
between King Abdullah and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lasted about 45 minutes.
Delegation-level talks also took place in the morning.
"[The discussions] consisted of a full review of bilateral relations as well as an overview
of regional issues, international issues, global concerns which are of interest both to
India and to Saudi Arabia," the spokesman said.
"India's relations with [her] neighbours were also discussed. Energy security was
another theme which was discussed in the one-on-one [discussions between Dr Singh
and King Abdullah,]" the spokesman observed.
India-Pakistan relations, he elaborated, were discussed. Saudi Arabia mentioned that it
was interested in a better relationship between India and Pakistan. "They were also
briefed on the current process," the spokesman added.
Dwelling on India's current economic status, Prime Minister Singh also told the Saudi
delegation to take advantage of current reforms particularly in the gas, petroleum,
infrastructure and fertiliser sectors.
Officials from both sides also discussed the possibilities of funding of infrastructure
projects in India. The two countries have decided that appropriate mechanisms be
devised so that this could be further explored by experts.
No comments:
Post a Comment