The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of India, H. E. Mr. Faisal Hassan Trad hosted a working lunch for a number of senior editors and journalists from leading Indian media organizations, during which he presented a detailed account of important political, economic and social developments taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the assumption of power by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, as well as important initiatives announced by the King especially in the field of dialogue among civilizations and cultures, and those concerning provision of energy to the poor.

The Ambassador also made a detailed presentation on the growing and deepening Saudi-India relations that have entered a new phase of multi-level strategic partnership since the historic visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz to India in 2006 and the signing of New Delhi Declaration. He told the media persons that this partnership encompasses all political, economic, trade, investment, scientific, technological and cultural fields, adding that the bilateral trade between the two countries has gone up more than 300% since 2000, jumping from US $ 3 billion to US $ 27 billion in 2008, and that the Kingdom has become number one source of crude oil for India, making the latter fifth largest trade partner of the Kingdom.

The Ambassador stated that preparations are underway for the visit of H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India to Saudi Arabia in the near future, which is expected to open a new chapter in the relations at all levels. A large number of agreements covering the security, scientific, cultural, economic and investment fields are expected to be signed during the visit.

Ambassador Faisal Trad said that development of relations between Saudi Arabia and India is important for the security and stability of the South and West Asia, in view of the two countries having wise leadership, vast political and economic capabilities and a sincere desire to advance the security, stability and prosperity of the nations.