Al Ahram, P.6 (23-7-2007)

Ambassador of India:

Strong bases for the promotion of relations with Egypt in the political, legal, economic, cultural and technological fields

    Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India in Cairo said that political consultations are continuing between Egypt and India in order to implement the agreements signed between the two sides for promoting bilateral cooperation in light of the present strong political will, which aims at cementing relations. He indicated that his country hopes that President Hosni Mubarak would meet the invitation to visit India.

    In an interview with "Al Ahram", the Indian Ambassador said that the latest meeting of the foreign office consultations in New Delhi pushed forward bilateral relations to a higher level. This meeting was an outcome of the successful visit paid by the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmed Abu Gheit to India in the middle of last December, which was the first of its kind after ten years of former Foreign Minister Mr. Amr Moussa's visit in 1997.

    He indicated that there is a strong foundation for the development of bilateral relations after the two sides signed six agreements to increase trade exchange, investments and cooperation in the fields of culture, science and technology and agriculture. An MoU on Air Services was signed between the two countries to operate daily flights. He added that Egypt has started operating air flights to India and the Indian side is taking the necessary preparations to follow suit. He highlighted that such services of air connectivity would widen the scope of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investments and tourism. It will also help deepening people-to-people contact, which is very essential to establish a new bridge for cooperation.

    He underscored the increase of Indian tourist arrivals to Egypt, as the number of Indian tourists visiting Egypt increased this year to 61000 compared to 53000 last year. He added that Indians staying in Egypt feel at home, given the commonalities between the two peoples. He said, "Talks are underway between the two sides on agreements pertaining to extradition and mutual legal assistance."

    With regard to trade exchange, the Indian Ambassador said, "Trade exchange registered US$ 1.8 billion, of which Egyptian oil exports to India account for US$ 1.3 billion for and Indian exports to Egypt account for US$ 400 million. The Indian investments in Egypt amounted to US$ 750 million and it will reach US$ 1.5 billion in the coming two years. The two countries cooperate also in the field of IT, as some Indian companies have already started their own business in the Smart Village. Egyptian cadres are being trained in the field of computer at the hands of Indian companies.

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