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The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed the historic ‘Delhi
Declaration’, here today.
The following is the text of the ‘Delhi Declaration’:
“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held historic meetings
with the President of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr.
A.P.J.Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His
Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh during his State visit to the Republic of
India from 24 – 27 January, 2006. The two sides exchanged views and had
in-depth discussions that touched upon the mutual interests of both
countries as well as the security, stability, peace and prosperity in
the whole region.
Realizing that this visit heralds a new era in India-Saudi Arabia
relations and constitutes a landmark in the development of increased
understanding and cooperation between the two countries and creation of
a mutually beneficial partnership,
Reflecting the view that both countries are developing a
broad strategic vision, and are determined to work together closely for
the welfare and benefit of their peoples and for peace and stability in
the region and the world,
Desirous of building upon and expanding the close ties and friendship
and the many commonalties between the two countries and peoples,
Affirming their commitment to the ideals of tolerance,
harmony and diversity between societies and the importance of dialogue
and peaceful resolution of disputes,
Conscious of their responsibility for promoting peace, stability and
security in the region and the world,
Recognizing the close inter-linkage of the stability and
security of the Gulf region and the Indian sub-continent and the need
for maintaining a secure and peaceful environment for the development of
the countries in the region,
Desirous of further strengthening people - to - people
ties,
The two sides have agreed as
follows:
Exchanges of high-level bilateral visits and
consultations should be intensified in order to give an impetus to and
expand the scope of bilateral cooperation and understanding.
Terrorism is a scourge for all mankind and there is a need to intensify
and coordinate bilateral, regional and global cooperation to combat and
eradicate the menace of terrorism.
The two Governments would closely and actively cooperate
to fight the menace of terrorism and other transnational crimes like
money laundering, drugs and arms smuggling in a sustained and
comprehensive manner. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
between Saudi Arabia and India on Combating Crime will help in the fight
against terrorism, extremism and criminal elements. The two countries
shall make concerted efforts for an early realization of the proposals
to conclude a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which
is before the UN General Assembly, and the setting up of an
InternationalCounter- Terrorism Centre as called for by the
International Conference on Counter- Terrorism held in Riyadh in
February 2005, in response to the idea proposed by King Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud.
To expand and diversify mutual trade and investments and,
noting with satisfaction the signing of agreements regarding Promotion
and Protection of Investments and Avoidance of Double Taxation, called
for the exploration of investment opportunities in all sectors,
including infrastructure, in both countries.
Both sides affirmed the importance of stability in the oil market for
the world economy. The Indian side expressed understanding and
appreciation of the balanced petroleum policy of Saudi Arabia which is
considered a trusted and reliable source of oil supplies to
international markets in general and the Indian market in particular. In
this context, the Saudi side appreciated the Indian initiative to
initiate a regional forum for dialogue among Asian oil and gas producers
and consumers.
Both countries will develop a strategic energy
partnership based on complementarity and interdependence. The elements
of this partnership would include, inter alia:
-
Reliable, stable and increased volume of crude oil
supplies, through “evergreen” long-term contracts.
-
Cooperative and joint ventures, both in the public and private sectors,
in the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors in India and Saudi
Arabia as well as in third countries.
-
Saudi investments in oil refining, marketing and storage in India,
subject to commercial viability.
-
Setting up of India-Saudi ventures for gas-based fertilizer plants in
Saudi Arabia.
The two governments would encourage and support entrepreneurs in both
countries to harness each other’s strengths for mutual benefit and
promote economic co-operation actively.
The two countries would work for closer co-operation in the field of
technology, in particular in the field of information and communication
technology, agriculture, bio-technology, and non-conventional energy
technologies. India will assist in setting up an ICT Centre of
Excellence as well as institutes of higher learning, involving both
education and research, in the field of technology in Saudi Arabia.
India would offer opportunities for Saudi students to pursue
Post-Graduate and Doctorate level studies in technical institutions in
India, and enhance cooperation in human resource development related to
telecommunications. It was agreed that an Educational Exchange Programme
between the two countries should be finalized and concluded at an early
date.
The two countries would explore the prospect of
cooperation in the health sector to realize the promising possibilities
for enhancing cooperation in this sector, including health services,
exchange of health personnel, health education and pharmaceuticals.
It was agreed that cooperation in the field of science and technology,
tourism, youth affairs and sport, agriculture research and education,
technical education and vocational training and other fields of mutual
benefit should be intensified through signing of agreements and
memorandum of understanding as necessary.
The two sides agreed to cultivate and encourage cultural exchanges
between the two countries, both at official and popular levels.
The meetings of the bilateral Joint Commission will be
held frequently and regularly, and the next meeting of the Joint
Commission to be held later in 2006 has been tasked to ensure follow-up
and implementation of the decisions taken by the two leaders during King
Abdullah’s visit to India.
In the field of political cooperation, both sides
exchanged views about international developments, especially those
related to the Middle East, and affirmed their commitment to the
principles of international legality and the importance of maintaining
international peace and stability. The two sides agreed to work together
towards resolving outstanding conflicts in the world through peaceful
means.
Both countries emphasized the importance of the Beirut
Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map. They realized that the
complementarity between the two plans would invigorate the peace process
in the Middle East, and lead to the establishment of a viable and
independent State of Palestine living in peace and prosperity within
secure borders side by side with Israel.
With regard to the Iraqi situation, both sides expressed
their hope that Iraq would turn a new page in history that would assure
its security, unity, territorial integrity and prosperity, and respect
for its sovereignty and independence.
The two sides welcomed the ongoing dialogue between India
and Pakistan and their continued efforts aimed at settling the
outstanding issues between the two countries.
Done in New Delhi on the 27th of January, 2006 corresponding to 27th of
12, 1426 H”.
Dr. Manmohan
Singh Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Prime Minister of the
King of the Kingdom
Republic of India of Saudi
Arabia
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