NEW DELHI: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora on Monday called on Egyptian President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak and delivered him a personal message from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reiterating the traditional friendly ties between the two nations.

Mr. Deora, accompanied by a high-level delegation, reached Egypt on Sunday night on the last leg of his three-nation tour of Algeria, Syria and Egypt.

Mr. Mubarak noted with satisfaction that high-level bilateral ministerial exchanges in the past few months had imparted renewed impetus to the relationship.

He also expressed confidence that besides deepening cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, Mr. Deora's visit would strengthen the contacts at the political level and promote better understanding between the two nations.

Conveying the good wishes of the people of India to the people and leadership of Egypt, Mr. Deora emphasised that India attached priority to its relations with Cairo and was appreciative of Egypt's role in the region.

He expressed optimism that the multi-faceted relations would be further reinforced with the continuing expansion of economic and commercial ties.

Mr. Deora also briefed Mr. Mubarak on the discovery of significant reserves of oil in the North Ramadan oil field by OVL in partnership with IPR Red Sea Inc earlier this month.

The Indian delegation led by Mr. Deora includes Petroleum Secretary, M.S. Srinivasan and the heads of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation; Indian Oil Corporation; Gas Authority of India Limited and Engineers India Limited.

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