The Hindu : National : Saudi Arabia, India joint declaration likely

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006

National

National

Saudi Arabia, India joint declaration likely

Diplomatic Correspondent

Saudi King to visit India from January 24 to 27

NEW DELHI: India and Saudi Arabia are expected to issue a joint declaration during the State visit of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz from January 24 to 27, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

Apart from the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and King Abdullah on Wednesday afternoon, the two sides are expected to hold a wide range of discussions between specific ministers and officials.

According to the sources, Petroleum Ministers Mani Shankar Aiyar and Ali Bin Ibrahim Al-Naeemi will hold talks on a possible energy partnership between the two countries. This will include Indian participation in Saudi oil projects and possible Saudi investment in Indian oil storage and refining plans.

Separately, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Saudi counterpart are scheduled to hold discussions on a range of issues, as will National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and Prince Bandar Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Secretary of the Saudi National Security Council.

India is also keen that the two countries agree to regular consultations between their respective Foreign Ministries. Some 30 top Ministers and officials are accompanying the Saudi King on his four-day visit to India.

During his visit, a number of matters relating to trade and finance, including the idea of free trade between India and Saudi Arabia are likely to be discussed . Several Saudi companies are reportedly interested in investing in India.

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