Al Ahram, (25-4-2006)
The Egyptian Ambassador in New Delhi: India is looking forward to the visit of President Mubarak to receive Nehru Award for peace
New Delhi-(Mohamed Abdel Hady):
The Egyptian Ambassador in New Delhi Dr. Kheir El Din Abdel Latief emphasized that India is looking forward to the visit of President Hosni Mubarak to receive Nehru Award for peace, which India conferred on President Mubarak in appreciation of his role in spreading peace. In fact, this award is the highest Indian decoration given to a foreign leader and highly esteemed in India. He indicated that contacts are being made to hold the Joint Commission meeting under the chairmanship of the Foreign ministers of the two countries. He added that India is looking forward to expanding and developing cooperation with Egypt in different walks of life. This Indian desire is reflected in the invitations extended to several officials in different sectors to visit India. The Egyptian Ambassador said that there are enormous opportunities of cooperation and interaction with India especially in the fields of economy, commerce and investments. He said that current level of cooperation in these fields is not up to the desired level, in spite of the promotion of the level of cooperation over the past years. He indicated that Egypt can benefit from India's experience in the fields of education development, scientific research, technology, printing, elimination of unemployment, healthcare, railway development, small & medium scale industries and woman empowerment.
Egyptian-Indian contacts to hold the meeting of the Joint Commission
Contacts are being made between Egypt and India for holding the meeting of the Joint Commission under the chairmanship of the two foreign ministers of the two countries. The meeting will discuss the means to enhance relations in different fields. These statements were given by Ambassador ManiMekalai, Director of North Africa Division at the Indian External Affairs Ministry. She added that there are permanent consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries and exchange of views over different regional and international issues. Ms. ManiMekalai confirmed that India welcomes the visit of President Hosni Mubarak to New Delhi anytime to receive Nehru Award for peace. She indicated that such a visit would push forward bilateral relations in all fields. She added that the economic reforms being implemented by the Egyptian government are important for Egypt as well as for its economic and commercial relations with India.
She stressed her country's support for the rights of the Palestinian people, ending the suffering of the Palestinian people and their right to an independent state. In this regard, she stressed India's commitment to the resolutions of international legitimacy. She underlined the importance of giving the right to the Palestinian people and the new government to determine their future. She also underscored the necessity of implementing the Roadmap plan, which was adopted by the International Quartet Committee. At the same time, she indicated that her country's relations with Israel are not at the cost of India's historical relations with the Arabs and do not affect the Indo-Arab relations at all.
Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry invites the Egyptian businessmen to increase commercial cooperation with India
Mr. Rajan Kohli, Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry said that the task of the Federation is to back the government's efforts in two fronts: expanding cooperation with the world countries and achieving development in different industrial and commercial fields. In fact, this will help the state achieving its objectives inside and outside. Mr. Kohli said that the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi exerts efforts to facilitate and support cooperation with Egypt. He said that he feels sorry that economic relations between the two countries are not up to the aspired for level in spite of the deeply-rooted historical relations between India and Egypt. He indicated that several ventures are being implemented with different world countries including countries in East Asia, the Gulf, Europe and the US, while Egypt is absent. Businessmen delegations from these countries are visiting New Delhi every now and then to discuss the possibility of establishing a venture, signing an agreement or establishing joint investments. However, no Egyptian economic or commercial delegation has visited Egypt over the last two years. He indicated that his country is a promising market and its investments abroad are doing well. He expressed his hope that the Egyptian businessmen would put cooperation with India on top of their priorities.
India requests showcasing pharonic monuments at the Indian National Museum
The Director of the Indian National Museum Dr. Shohat requested showcasing some of the pharonic antiquities at the National Museum in India indicating that this would be invaluable addition to the museum and its contents. He added that some pharonic monuments are displayed at two museums in Gujarat and Calcutta. He added that the National Museum was founded in 1949. The museum was initially housed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It was officially inaugurated and opened to visitors in 1960. it includes 200,000 exhibits of exquisite art both foreign and Indian, giving a detailed insight into Indian history and its cultural heritage. About 20,000 people, of them 30% are foreign tourists, visit the museum on daily basis.
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