PM may visit Saudi Arabia in next three months: Envoy

Abu Dhabi, Jan 22 (PTI) Prime Minister of India Manmohan
Singh may visit Saudi Arabia in the next three months in a bid
to strengthen India's ties with the key Muslim country rich in
resources, according to newly-appointed Indian Ambassador to
Riyadh, Talmiz Ahmad.

"The Prime Minister's visit, which is a return of Saudi
King's visit to India in 2006, may happen in the next three
months. Finding a date that suits both the sides is proving to
be difficult and we are looking for a final date," Ahmad told
PTI here on the eve of his departure to the Saudi capital
where he will assume charge with immediate effect.
Groundwork for this was prepared by the Saudi visit of
Finance Minister of India Pranab Mukherjee, who attended the
8th Session of the Joint Commission in Riyadh in October.
The follow-up to the Delhi Declaration, which was
signed during Saudi King Abdullah's visit to India in January
2006, was discussed during that meeting.
There were plans around a year ago for Singh's visit to
Saudi Arabia, but those could not fructify due to scheduling
problems. Two sides have since been working on proper timing
for the visit to the most important Muslim country, which is
long overdue.
Ahmed, who was India's Ambassador to the UAE before being
appointed as envoy to Saudi Arabia, said that ties with the
kingdom are of critical importance to New Delhi, considering
India's energy requirements.
He also laid emphasis on huge presence of Indian
community in Saudi Arabia, numbering around two million, and
management of the annual Haj pilgrimage. PTI CORR
SDE



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