Indo-Kuwaiti heads hold delegation-level talks

New Delhi, Jun 15: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Amir of Kuwait began delegation-level talks today to discuss bilateral issues and sign three important agreements, including one on avoidance of double taxation.

The Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who arrived here yesterday on a six-day state visit, was given a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning.

President A P J Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister were present at the reception.

The Amir also inspected a guard of honour at the President's House.

During his meeting with Dr Singh, the Amir will ink three pacts, Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty (DTAT), Agreement on Drugs and Narcotics and Agreement on Cooperation in Culture.

The Amir will also meet Home Minister Shivraj Patil and attend a banquet hosted by Dr Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the day.

During his visit, the first by a ruler of the Gulf country in more than 20 years, the Amir will also meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of the Opposition L K Advani.

He will exchange views with Indian leaders on wide-ranging issues including the developments in Iraq, the Iran nuclear issue and the ongoing Indo-Pak peace talks.

He is expected to assure support to New Delhi's claim for a permanent membership of the UN Security Council, and reiterate his country's strong and historical ties with India.

The two countries would also explore ways to increase cooperation in the energy sector and hold discussions on setting up a mechanism for joint fight against terror.

The Amir, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, will travel to Mumbai on June 17 to interact with leading industrialists.

With Kuwait deciding to open its oil and petroleum sector to private players, the oil-rich country is likely to seek investment in this field.

Kuwait has been a major supplier of India's energy needs and has supplied 11 million tonnes of crude oil worth 2.5 billion dollars till 2005.

UNI

Related Stories