Al Akhbar, P.6 (16-11-2008)

The Opinion of Al Akhbar

Mubarak pays a historical visit to India

President Mubarak and Mrs. Suzan Mubarak have started a 4-day historical visit to India. Both Egypt and India have enjoyed distinguished relations since the reign of the Indian PM Nehru and our late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Bandung Conferences and the foundation of the NAM. Cooperation between the two countries has been remarkably promoted and expanded in all walks of life. The visit of President Mubarak to India gives a momentum to bilateral relations and cooperation. The talks, which President Mubarak will hold with the Indian officials there, will cover the latest political, economic and technological developments on the international arena. The talks will also address coordination and consultation between the political leaderships of the two countries. During the visit, President Mubarak will also receive Jawaharlal Nehru Award for Peace in appreciation of his role and efforts in pushing forward peace and stability in the region.

The Indian PM Manmohan Singh said that the whole world listens to Egypt's views thanks to President Mubarak's policies. He added that the stability and progress of Egypt is one of the assets of the world order. During the visit, several agreements will be signed and joint ventures in the field of IT and electronics will be worked out. In addition, the volume of bilateral trade will be increased. Moreover, President Mubarak will hold important talks on several international and regional issues of common interest. Undoubtedly,  the meeting to be held between the President and the representatives of the major Indian trade and investment companies will increase joint cooperation.

The President's significant visit to India is paid in due time in order to promote bilateral relations between Egypt and India, especially after India has emerged as one of the major powers, which will play a key role in shaping
the political, economic and technological features of the world in the 21^st century.

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