E Ahamed leaves for Khartoum to attend League of Arab States meet

New Delhi, Mar 26 (UNI) Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed today said stability in the Arab world is very important to India not only for the energy security of the country but also for the welfare of four million Indians living in Gulf countries.

Mr Ahamed said this while leaving for Khartoum as head of an Indian delegation to the 18th Summit of the League of Arab States being held in Sudan from March 28-29.

India has been invited for the 18th Summit of the League.

Mr Ahamed had also led the Indian delegation when India was invited for the first time for the 17th summit held last year in Algiers.

India has been steadfastly continuing its special relationship with the countries in the Arab world. It has also continued to give traditional and unwavering support to the right of the Palestinian people to have a separate homeland living in peace with its neighbours.

India also extended support to the Palestinian Authority and pledged technical and economic assistance for the reconstruction and development projects in the territories under the Authority.

In pursuance of the politics spelt out in the Common Minimum Programme, the UPA government attaches special significance to the ties with the Arab World. Both the Arab world and India have a desire for peace, prosperity and stability in the respective regions. The recent visits of the King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Emir of Qatar and frequent visit of several high ranking ministers and officials of Arab countries are a manifestation of this special relationship.

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