JEDDAH, 1 February 2006 — Indian and Saudi diplomats and businessmen envision an exciting new era of bilateral relations in the wake of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s visit.
“India was the second country on his (King Abdullah’s) itinerary but in reality it was the first based on the status of our strong bilateral relations,” said Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Suwaigh of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Al-Suwaigh was speaking while being honored as a guest at a reception hosted by the Consulate General of India. “The various agreements signed during the king’s visit to New Delhi should improve and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in energy and in many other areas.”
Indian Consul General Ausaf Sayeed told Arab News yesterday that the king’s visit would undoubtedly open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation in such diverse fields as the hydrocarbon sector, information and communication technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, engineering, education and tourism.
“There is also a proposal to organize a Saudi-Indian interactive dialogue later this year to further cultivate and encourage cultural contacts between the peoples of both countries,” he said.
