PM-SAUDI 2LAST

Singh's visit will boost Saudi-Indo relations further and
change the dynamics of our strategic ties, Saudi Ambassador to
India Faisal H Trad said.
The visit would also help enhance cooperation in
education, economy and the manpower sectors, he said.
The Saudi mission in New Delhi issues six lakh visas
every year to Indians for visit and employment besides giving
1.70 lakh Haj visas for people to undertake the pilgrimage.
Officials here said the two countries hoped to put in
place an institutionalised dialogue to promote mutual interest
in foreign affairs, intelligence, defence, energy and other
areas of immediate and direct interest to the two nations.
During his visit Singh will address the Shura Council
or the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia on March 1, a
rare honour for a visiting foreign dignitary.
Singh is expected to share his perspectives on the
political and economic challenges facing the regional and
international communities.
Singh's visit comes four years after the landmark visit
of King Abdullah to India in January 2006. The two sides had
then put in place the vision of a joint partnership based on
substantial political and cultural exchanges.
Singh will also address the Indian community before
leaving Riyadh on Monday.
Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL),
Essar's Shashi Ruia and Information Technology poster boys
Azim Premji and S Ramadorai are expected to join the Prime
Minister during parleys between the business delegations of
the two sides. PTI