India reaffirms support to Palestinian cause

New Delhi, Dec 16 (UNI) India and Egypt today cautioned that use of excessive force and violence would not bring peace in West Asia and stressed the importance of sustained and substantial negotiations among the warring parties in the region.

India also reiterated its consistent support for the Palestinian cause and called for early resumption of negotiations under the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP).

The Fifth Session of the India-Egypt Joint Commission which concluded its day-long deliberations here today, also discussed various bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee headed the Indian side at the talks while the Egyptian delegations was led by the country's Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Recognising the immense potential for enhancing bilateral cooperation, the two sides reiterated their commitment to diversify and deepen the scope of their economic, trade and cultural exchanges.

They identified the promotion of investment flows, as a means to strengthening bilateral commercial exchanges.

Mr Gheit who arrived here yesterday on a three-day official visit, also met a cross-section of Indian businessmen at an interaction arranged by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Mr Gheit handed over a written message for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

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