NEW DELHI, 12 December 2003 — The three-day visit of AGFUND President Prince Talal concluded yesterday providing an impetus to Saudi-Indian relations.

He had a busy schedule in the evening with a series of meetings with top Indian politicians and officials.

During his meeting with Minister for External Affairs Yashwant Sinha, extensive discussions were held on bilateral and regional issues, sources said. The prince also held detailed talks with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Dr. Najma Heptullah and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Addressing a luncheon hosted in his honor by Saudi Ambassador to India Saleh Moh?d Al-Ghamdi, Prince Talal said: “India is a great country where democracy has flourished. India and the Arab world should work together for political, economic and social purposes.” He described India as a model democracy.

He also emphasized the need for stronger ties between the Arab world and India.

Criticizing the increasing Western pressure on the Arab world to introduce democratic reforms, Prince Talal said, “Any change in the system must come from within and not from outside.” Welcoming the steps being taken by India and Pakistan for normalization of relations, he said, “Peace in South Asia will usher in an era of development and progress in the region.”

While criticizing terrorism, Prince Talal said, “Violence hinders progress.”

In his address, Al-Ghamdi described Prince Talal as a great philanthropist whose keen concern for humanitarian issues had contributed to the massive progress made by AGFUND.

Prince Talal’s interest in India can be traced to his visits to the country several times over the past few decades, a key member of the visiting delegation told Arab News. Indian analysts also acknowledged that Prince Talal’s visit may be viewed as symbolic of the upswing in bilateral ties.

Their view is supported by greater interest being shown by the business communities of both nations for greater economic cooperation and better trade relations. While Saudi Arabia is the 14th largest market for Indian goods, India is the 5th largest market for Saudi Arabia.