Al Ahram, P.5 (6-12-2008)

The Egyptian Ambassador in New Delhi Mr. Mohammed Hegazi: India is keen to push forward the strategic partnership with Egypt

New Delhi- ( by: Masood Al Henawi)

The Egyptian Ambassador to India Mr. Mohammed Hegazi stressed that the outcomes of the visit paid by President Hosni Mubarak to India two weeks ago are the main focus in the political and media circles in India.

In exclusive statements to "Al Ahram", the Egyptian Ambassador indicated that the visit of President Mubarak to India was truly a historical visit and this is clearly reflected in the keenness shown by the Indian officials to translate all points agreed upon by the two sides into a reality. Moreover, the visit of the President has laid down the foundation of a strategic partnership between Egypt and India, which are the key pillars of South Asia and the Middle East. Moreover, the two countries enjoy political stability and economic growth.

He pointed out that the outcomes of the visit, such as the agreements of bilateral cooperation, and the great attention attributed to it by the media and the political leadership convey an important message to the South countries to the effect that we can achieve many things together and maintain our rights in today's world.

He added that Egypt has become a favourite destination for the Indian investments, which are presently amounting to US$ 850 million and are expected to reach US$ 2 billion by the end of this year. He said, " We hope that this figure would be doubled in the coming few years."

The Egyptian Ambassador said that our relations with India explore the horizons of the future, especially in the fields of space and biotechnology.

Ambassador Mohammed Hegazi concluded his statements to "Al Ahram" saying that President Mubarak assigned the Egyptian diplomacy to promote relations with India in all walks of life. He highlighted the fact that consecutive generations of Ambassadors have been entrusted with this mission and this is why the present breakthrough in bilateral relations is materialized. He added that both Egypt and India are two regional powers, whose cooperation will be always serving the interests of not only their peoples, but also the peoples of the region and the entire world.

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