PM congratulates Sudan President on chairing Arab League

Khartoum, Mar 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has congratulated Sudan's President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir on his appointment as the Chairman of the League of Arab States and lauded Khartoum's active role in international fora.

In a message, read out by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed at the 18th summit of the league here yesterday, Dr Singh said Sudan ''is a prominent and leading member of the League of Arab States, and has always played an active role in Arab affairs and in multilateral fora.'' Stating that he was writing to extend his ''warm congratulations on your appointment as the Chairman of the League of Arab States and to convey my good wishes for a successful summit meeting...I would like to take this opportunity to greet, through you, the Heads of States and Governments attending the summit.'' Pointing out that the traditionally close and friendly relations between India and Sudan had steadily strengthened and expanded over the decades to cover new areas of cooperation, the Prime Minister said India attached great significance to the long-standing and close relations with the Arab people.

The Arabian Sea had made India and the Arab world, neighbours who shared centuries-old historical and cultural bonds, that have been cemented by a diversity of ties -- people-to-people, trade, cultural, religious and others.

Arab issues occupied a prominent place in India's foreign policy priorities and India had extended principled and consistent support to causes dear to the Arab world.

''We are happy that there is regular high-level interaction and dialogue in all fields between India and the Arab countries. The Arab world is home millions of Indians and is a rapidly growing trade and economic partner. We are happy to share our experience and strengths in IT, education, health and other sectors with our Arab brothers, and remain ready to expand the scope of our cooperation for mutual benefit,'' Dr Singh said.

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