Majlis al Shura: Dr Manmohan Singh seeks cooperative relations with Pakistan

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, March 1: Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday said India wishes to live in peace and friendship with its neighbours and seeks cooperative relations with Pakistan.
Addressing the Majlis-al-shura, a symbol of participative governance in the oil-rich Arab nation, Dr Singh said “I believe that all countries of South Asia should work to realise the common vision of peace and inclusive development for the region.”
Stating that India is keen to seek cooperative relations with Pakistan, Dr Singh said India’s objective is a permanent peace because it recognises that it is bound together by a shared future.
“If there is cooperation between India and Pakistan, vast opportunities will open up for trade, travel and development that will create prosperity in both countries and in South Asia as a whole.”
He however, said, to realise this vision, Pakistan must act decisively against terrorism. If Pakistan cooperates with India, there is no problem that the two countries cannot solve and they can walk the extra mile to open a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
On the situation in Afghanistan he said that the government there needed the support of the international community in restoring peace and development in the country.
Dr Singh, who had the rare honour of addressing the historic Majlis-al-shura meeting, said West Asia is a vital part of India’s extended neighbourhood.
“We have deep and intricate ties with the Gulf countries. We have a high stake in the peace and stability of the region. Neither the countries of
the region nor the world can afford fresh turmoil. We sincerely hope
that wisdom will prevail and that in the resolution of conflicts and
differences, dialogue will triumph over confrontation. There is no issue more important for peace and stability in the region than the question of Palestine,” Dr Singh said.
Dr Singh is the first Indian Prime minister to address the shura meeting. Referring to India’s economic progress, he said, “In the next 25 years we aspire to growth rates of between 9 to 10 per cent annually. This will enable us to lift millions of our people out of poverty and to transform India into one of the largest economies of the world. India looks to the future with confidence and hope.”
Tracing the long cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia he said, “Indian Muslim scholars went to Mecca in order to learn Islamic
theology. Arab Muslim scholars came to India to learn mathematics,
science, astronomy and philosophy. Today, Islam is an integral part of India’s nationhood and ethos and of the rich tapestry of its culture. India has made significant contributions to all aspects of Islamic civilization. Our 160 million Muslims are contributing to our nation building efforts and have excelled in all walks of life.”
Stating that the Saudi Arabia is the cradle of Islam and the land of the revelation of the Holy Quran, he said, “ I have come to this ancient land with a message of peace, brotherhood and friendship. India regards Saudi Arabia as a pillar of stability in the Gulf region.”

Indo-Saudi agreements to boost bilateral ties

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, March 1: India and Saudi Arabia late on Sunday night signed five major agreements that will not only boost bilateral ties between the two nations, but will also help in curbing terrorism in the region.
The major treaties were the extradition treaty and the agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad and Saudi second deputy prime minister Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz signed the treaties on behalf of their respective nations.
A memorandum of cultural cooperation between the ministry of culture and information, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ministry of culture, government of India was also signed in the presence of prime minister Dr manmohan Singh and Saudi ruler King Abdullah.
Other memoranda signed as part of the Riyadh Declaration were MoU between Indian Space Research Organisation and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology for cooperation in peaceful use of outer space, and agreement on scientific and technological cooperation bdetween the department of science and technology, India, and KACST, Saudi Arabia.

India, Saudi Arabia signs Riyadh Declaration to put an end to crime, terrorism, human trafficking

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, March 1: India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance cooperation in exchange of information relating to terrorist activities, money laundering, narcotics, arms and human trafficking, and develop joint strategies to combat these threats.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is currently on a historic bilateral visit to the oil-rich Arab nation, signed what is called the Riyadh Declaration with Saudi ruler King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud here late on Sunday night. The declaration is being hailed as a new era of strategic partnership, after the Delhi Declaration signed by the two countries in 2006.
Earlier, King Abdullah accorded a traditional welcome at his Al-Rowdha Palace, before the two leaders sat down for bilateral talks. They renewed condemnation of the phenomenon of terrorism, extremism and violence affirming that it is global and threatens all societies and is not linked to any race, colour or belief.
As part of the Riyadh Declaration, the two countries signed the xtradition treaty and the agreement for transfer of sentenced persons. The peace process in the Middle East was high on the agenda of Dr Manmohan Singh and King Abdullah. They expressed hope for the early resumption of the peace process within a definite timeframe leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestinian State, in accordance with the two state solution. The two leaders emphasized that continued
building of settlements by Israel constitutes a fundamental stumbling block for the peace process.
India and Saudi Arabia decided to raise their cooperation to a strategic partnership covering security, economic, defence and political areas. The two leaders further emphasised the importance of strengthening the strategic energy partnership based on complimentarity and interdependence, including meeting India's increasing requirement of crude oil supplies. Dr Manmohan Singh invited Saudi Arabia to participate in crude storage facilities in India.
The Riyadh Declaration emphasized the importance of regional and international efforts focusing on making the Middle East and Gulf Region free of all nuclear weapons and all weapons of mass destruction. The leaders encouraged Iran to respond to efforts to remove regional and international doubts about its nuclear programme, especially as these
ensure the right of Iran and other countries to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. They also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and called for the preservation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence.

Shashi Tharoor's twitter on Saudi `mediation' kicks off major political row

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, Feb 28: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has kicked off yet another political controversy when he told visiting Indian mediapersons here late on Saturday night that he valued Saudi Arabia as an interlocutor to resolve the bilateral crisis between India and Pakistan.
“We feel that Saudi Arabia of course has a long and close relationship with Pakistan but that makes Saudi Arabia even a more valuable interlocutor for us,” he said. The minister’s remarks are a clear departation from India’s long-standing view that there should be no role for a third party in the resolution of bilateral problems with Pakistan.
But with the BJP and other political parties reacting sharply to his comments back home in New Delhi, the minister retracted his statement clarifying that by interlocutor he does not mean “mediation”.
Even as the External Affairs Ministry was busy chalking out a damage control exercise, Dr Tharoor as usual twitted that his remarks had been misinterpreted. “If I speak to you, you are my interlocutor! I mentioned the Saudis are our interlocutors, ie the people we are here to speak to. Some misinterpretation”.
Later in the day, Dr Tharoor issued a one-sentence statement blaming a section of the media for “misreading” the remarks. “What I basically said was that Saudi Arabia is a valuable interlocutor for India. Any other interpretation was neither meant nor warranted”.
Dr Shashi Tharoor, who attended a dinner party at the residence of Talmiz Ahmad, Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, late on Saturday night, held an impromptu press briefing.
When a reporter sought his views on Saudi role in resolving Indo-Pak crisis, the minister said he valued Saudi Arabia as an interlocutor. Though several other dignitaries too interacted with the media, they wanted it to go “off the record”.
Dr Tharoor is part of the high-level Indian media delegation currently visiting the oil-rich Arab kingdom, along with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. "We feel that Saudi Arabia of course has a long and close relationship with Pakistan but that makes Saudi Arabia even a more valuable interlocutor for us”.
The minister, who is known for his frank twitters on various issues, has often been in trouble. The latest is his remarks on Saudi being an interlocutor.
Stating that Saudi Arabia has its own issues with Al Qaeda, he said "We expect to have a constructive conversation on the issue. The tentacles of terror have already spread from Afghanistan to Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, and latest is Yemen," he added.
To a question he said when India tells Saudi Arabia about its experience, the Arab nation “listens as somebody who is not in any way an enemy of Pakistan but rather is a friend of Pakistan”.

King Saud University confers honorary doctorate on Dr Manmohan Singh

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, Feb 28: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be conferred with a doctorate (honoris causa) by the King Saud University here on Monday.
Dr Manmohan Singh will latter address the students of the university, which is a rare honour. The Indian Prime Minister has been receiving a royal welcome, which is unprecedented for any foreign dignitary. Breaking the tradition, the Saudis accommodated Dr Manmohan Singh in the royal Saud Palace. No foreign dignitary has been given accommodation in the palace in the past.
Indians make up the largest foreign nationals in this oil rich kingdom contributing to its economic and industrial advancement, and considering this fact, the Saudi government has been breaking its established protocol to welcome Dr Manmohan Singh.
Saudi ruler King Abdullah later in the day met the Indian Prime Minister and accorded a ceremonial welcome to the visiting dignitary. The Indian delegation later signed as many as 10 bilateral agreements.

Saudi Arabia has cut off links with Taliban forces, says Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, Feb 28: In a major boost to fight against global terrorism, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal said Saudi Arabia had no relations whatsoever with the Taliban forces.
Interacting with mediapersons from India at the Royal Saud Palace here on Sunday, Prince Saud Al Faisal said Saudi Arabia does not maintain relations with the Taliban since the latter was providing sanctuary to Al Qaida. “We do not have any relationship with the Taliban. This shows the seriousness we attach to the fight against terrorism,” he observed.
To a question on terrorism in Pakistan, the Saudi Foreign Minister said there should be political unity in that country to ensure that terrorism does not raise its ugly head.
Pakistan is a friendly country. There’s a dangerous trend. Therefore, one is not only sorry but worry about it. We hope united leadership in Pakistan is achieved to fight the problem.
He said Saudi Arabia is very proud to receive the prime minister. The visit will help in the relations moving in meaningful ways . “We are moving towards strategic cooperation.
There’s lot more to talk about the strategic cooperation. We have clear understanding of the common issues,” the foreign minister observed.
Emphasing the need for peace and well being in the region, Saud Al Faisal said both the countries were moving in the right direction. “We have built the basis from the statement of Delhi to the statement of Riyadh,” he said.
On the need to increasing the quota for the Haj pilgrims, the Saudi minister made it clear that there were lot of logistics problems and until the facilities were improved the quota cannot be increased. India has been demanding an increase in the Haj quota from the present 1.65 lakh since the country has the second largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia.

Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry: India all set to achieve growth rate of 9 per cent per annum, says Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, Feb 28: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday said India, despite global economic slowdown, was poised to achieve a growth rate of over seven per cent in the current financial year.
Addressing the who’s who of the Saudi industry and a business delegation from India at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry here, Dr Manmohan Singh said he expected to get back to the growth level of about 9 per cent per annum within two years.
Inviting Saudi businessmen and industrialists to invest in India, the prime minister said the Indian domestic saving rates are high, and can support investment rates of as high as 38 per cent of gross domestic product. “India is an economy with a huge market, and a young and expanding work force. We have a vibrant and innovative private sector,” he said.
Incidentally, it was Dr Manmohan Singh, who had played a key role in the evolution of the India-Saudi Arabia economic partnership way back in 1994 when he was the Union Finance Minister.
Emphasing the need for further exploring trade and business activities between India and Saudi Arabia, the prime minister said both countries had in place a sound institutional mechanism to facilitate trade and investment, including a double taxation avoidance agreement and bilateral investment protection agreement.
“I would specifically refer to the construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health, agriculture, energy, telecommunications, tourism and other service sectors. We deeply value Saudi Arabia’s role as a reliable partner in meeting our energy needs. We believe that conditions are ripe for moving beyond a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a
comprehensive energy partnership,” he said.
Indian companies, he said are well equipped to participate in upstream and downstream oil and gas sector projects in Saudi Arabia. There should be new partnerships in the area of new and renewable energy through sharing of clean technologies and joint collaborations.
Indian investments into Saudi Arabia have risen considerably and today stand at more than 2 billion US dollars covering over 500 joint ventures. Several major Indian companies have already established their presence in the kingdom.
The prime minister said both the countries should also look at new areas of cooperation. Education and skill development are of primary importance to both our countries. India has a proven track record in the field of knowledge-based industries, which have great potential for improving the skill set of the work force.
Calling for greater exchanges among the chambers, industry associations and business houses of both sides, Dr Manmohan Singh said more frequent participation in trade fairs and exhibitions will create greater awareness of each others’ capabilities.
“The Gulf countries are our natural partners in every sense of the term. Such interactions will bring vitality and dynamism in the cooperation between our two economies. India sees Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner for promoting peace, stability and economic development. Such a partnership will bring benefits not only to our two countries but to the region we both belong to, and to the world at large,” he said, amidst a standing ovation.

Indo-Saudi relations: Extradition treaty will help fight terror

2010
By Syed Akbar
Riyadh, Feb 27: The signing of extradition treaty between India and Saudi Arabia will herald a new phase in diplomatic relations of the two nations in curbing terrorism and terror-related activities.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who arrived here on Saturday on a three-day bilateral visit to Saudi Arabia, will sign an extradition treaty on Sunday with the oil-rich nation, which commands quite an influence on the Muslim and the Arab world. And as the Prime Minister said, “the Gulf region is an area of vital importance for India’s security and prosperity”.
Extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia has been on the anvil for quite a few years. Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit to Saudi, the first by an Indian prime minister in 28 years, is likely to give a boost to the revolve of the two countries to fight against global terrorism. Security issues concern Saudi Arabia as much as India, with international terrorism raising its ugly head of late, in the neighbourhood.
India is likely to gain much from the extradition treaty as some of the terror suspects involved in bomb blasts in various Indian cities, including Hyderabad, are reportedly taking shelter in Saudi Arabia.
“Once the extradition treaty is through, no person with criminal backgrround will dare to take shelter there,” a senior official felt. India will be able to lay claim on Indian terror suspects who have taken shelter in Saudi Arabia, or those operating from there. The extradition of underworld don Abu Salem from Portugal after India signed agreement with that country is cited as the best example.
On the issue of terrorism, King Abdullah too has been unwavering in his condemnation of the taking of innocent lives. He has always denounced deviant groups that falsely claim to be Islamic. The king has been leading successful tirade against terrorism and there has been no reported terrorist incident since he has become King.
India and Saudi Arabia have already been sharing information on terror suspects. The current visit will pave way for sharing of intelligence in real time and devising counter-terrorism strategies.
“they will tell us their security concerns, we will tell them about our security concerns and this will help in evolving common strategies to fight terrorism,” the official said.
Security concern is high on Indian agenda, since India has been a victim of international and cross border terrorism. This is clearly reflected in Dr Manmohan Singh’s pre-departure statement, “I believe India and Saudi Arabia have much to gain by cooperating with each other in combating extremism and terrorism. I expect to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and other regional issues of mutual interest”.
The prime minister added that he would be holding talks with Saudi Arabian ruler king Abdullah on how the two countries can promote greater stability and security in the region and impart a strategic character to our relations beyond the traditional areas of cooperation|.
Earlier, Dr Manmohan Singh received a rousing reception at the royal terminal of king Khaled international airport in Riyadh on his arrival from new Delhi.
Departing from the Saudi tradition, all the three minister-brothers of the king and the entire cabinet received the prime minister. A formal welcome will be done by king Abdullah at the royal palace on Sunday before the two leaders meet and sign as many as 10 agreements on various issues.

India to discuss terror issues with Saudi Arabia

2010
By Syed Akbar
New Delhi, Feb 26: Terrorism, peace on earth and outer space, exchange of convicted prisoners, business and diplomatic expansion, a mega common investment fund, regional and global issues, and information technology will dominate the Indo-Saudi talks during the three-day tour of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Saudi Arabia.
Dr Manmohan Singh will leave for Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh on Saturday with a high level official and business delegation to boost bilateral ties and commerce between the two countries. New Delhi and Riyadh will sign as many as nine agreements which include an extradition treaty and creation of a $ 680 million joint investment fund. The
extradition treaty has been pending for long. Labour issues will also be discussed, since Indians make a large chunk of workforce in the oil-rich Arab nation.
Incidentally, this is the first visit by an Indian premier to Saudi Arabia in nearly three decades. Indira Gandhi visited Saudi Arabia 28 years ago, in 1982. Dr Manmohan Singh will address Saudi Arabia's highest legislative body, the Shura council, on the last day of his trip on March 1, a rare honour for a foreign dignitary. The prime minister is likely to throw light on the long relation between India and the Arab world, dating back to thousands of years.
Both the countries will look forward to new investment opportunities during Dr Manmohan Singh's visit. The prime minister will also address the Council of Saudi Chamber, which is likely to give a fillip to trade and commerce between the two nations. He will also address the local Indian community in Riyadh.
According to Vijaya Latha Reddy, secretary (east) in the ministry of external affairs, the visit provides an opportunity for the two leaders to review bilateral relations and also to discuss regional and global issues in the spirit of “Delhi Declaration” which was signed in 2006.
“The visit aims at reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries. Several agreements and MoUs representing a broad range of cooperation in the areas of security, science and technology, culture, media etc will be signed which will further enrich and institutionalise the strategic objectives and cooperation between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she said.
The prime minister will discuss wide ranging issues with Saudi king Abdullah during the talks, including terrorism and security. Indian has historic ties with the Arab world and the both the nations will look forward to further boosting it. Palestine as also Afghanistan is likely to figure during the discussions. There’s also a possibility of India seeking increase in the Haj quota.
India and Saudi Arabia have both been victims of global terrorism and extremism, and Dr Manmohan Singh's visit will help the two nations in devising strategies to fight against the menace.
On the economic front, Saudi Arabia is an important trading and energy security partner. The bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia during 2008-09 exceeded 25 billion US dollars. Many Indian companies are active in various sectors. A 25-member CEOs delegation is also visiting Saudi Arabia and it will have interactions with their Saudi counterparts
to establish mutually beneficial business partnerships, she said. Saudi Arabia meets 20 per cent of India”s energy needs.