India, Egypt to sign Extradition Treaty during Mubarak visit

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) India and Egypt will sign three agreements, including Extradition Treaty, and seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), during the State visit of President Hosni Mubarak here from November 16-19.

The two countries are also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade and investment ties, Egyptian Ambassador to India, Dr Mohamed Higazy, told reporters here while announcing the visit which comes after 25 years.

The last time President Mubarak had visited India in 1982 and 1983.

The External Affairs Ministry said, ''several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit.'' Mr Mubarak will be accompanied by a large delegation including Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Information Minister Anass Ahmed Nabih El-Fiqqi, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Dr. Tarik Mohamed Kamel Mahmoud, Minister for Trade and Industry Rasheed Mohamed Rasheed and other senior officials and businesspersons.

During his visit, Mr Mubarak will meet President Pratibha Patil and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and the Leader of Opposition L K Advani will call on the Egyptian President.

President Pratibha Patil will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.

The Egyptian Ambassador said the delegation-level talks between Mr Mubarak and Dr Singh would focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in various areas including IT, space, human resource and health.

On the trade front, the Indian investment in Egypt was expected to reach two billion US dollars soon from the present 500 million dollars, the Ambassador said.

On the political side, the talks would focus on the West Asia situation, reforms to international organisations including the UNSC and international monetary bodies.

Lauding India's role in West Asia and as an emerging power in global affairs and promoting the culture of peace in the international arena, the Egyptian Ambassador said both countries have very old cultural ties deep-rooted in history.

''India has a very special place and a very important role to play in the region and truly contributes to the general security environment in West Asia...President Mubarak and the Egyptian people have a special place for India in their hearts,'' he added.

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