Press Release No. 32
10 May 2007
Visit of Arab League Delegation to India (9-10 May 2007)
H. E. Ambassador Heshm Youssef, Chief of the Cabinet of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, led a 5-member delegation to New Delhi on 9 -10 May 2007 for the third round of the India-Arab League bilateral dialogue. The Indian delegation was headed by Shri N. Ravi, Secretary (East), MEA. The dialogue took place within the framework of the MoU signed between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Secretariat of the League of Arab States on 6 March 2002.
During the talks, the leaders of the two delegations exchanged their views and assessments of regional and multilateral issues. Secretary (East) emphasized the importance India attaches to its long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation with the Arab world. The recent high-level exchange of visits between India and the Arab countries and India’s expanding trade and economic relations with West Asia and North Africa and the Gulf were noted with satisfaction. Secretary (East) reaffirmed India’s strong support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. India’s strong commitment to the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine, within well defined and recognized borders, living in peaceful co-existence with its neighbours, was reiterated.
Both sides agreed that possibilities of strengthening economic and commercial relations and cooperation in Human Resource Development, Science & Technology and tourism within the India-Arab League framework should be studied and developed. In this context, a preliminary exchange of views took place on establishing an India-Arab Cooperation Forum. It was agreed to continue discussions on this subject.
During the visit, Ambassador Hesham Youssef also called on Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed.
The Arab League delegation also had discussions with ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI on enhancing trade and joint ventures in traditional and new sectors between the Arab nations and India.
Ministry of External Affairs of India
New Delhi
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