Al Ahram, p.6, (15/11/2008)

Abul Gheit: starting a new phase in the Egyptian-Indian ties

By: Saly Wafae

Mr. Ahmad Abul Gheit, the Egyptian Foreign Minister stated that the imminent visit of President Mubarak to India represents a historical chance for starting a new phase of the Egyptian-Indian relations and joint work that would result in the implementation of several projects in strategic field. This will serve the development process in both countries and will be based on the huge potentials and experiences the two countries have and can use in achieving an unprecedented progress in bilateral ties.

Mr. Abul Gheit stated that the visit would witness significant talks between President Mubarak and the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh about several regional and international issues.

He added that it is predicted that the two leaders will discuss the latest developments of the Palestinian cause and conditions in Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan and South Asia. They will also discuss the dimensions of the current financial crisis and its impact on the economies of the two countries and other significant international issues including the reform of the UN, he added.

He also mentioned that they would be keen to review the progress achieved on the bilateral level and the potentials of making use of relative advantages each country enjoys in several vital sectors including information technology, telecommunications, agriculture, education, tourism and scientific research.

Abul Gheit also said that President Mubarak and the Indian Prime Minister would witness at the end of their talks the signature of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries of a joint communiqué stipulating the establishment of a strategic dialogue mechanism on the level of Foreign Minister with the aim of boosting cooperation with India in all fields.