Interview of His Excellency Mr. Saleh Mohd. Al-Ghamdi, Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to
Sahara Times Weekly.
Q1: Does the visit of His Majesty King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia also indicate the revival of historical ties between Saudi Arabia and India which had been existing since 7th century A.D. ?
Ans. The relations between the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Sub-continent are age old and deeply rooted in history. It may possibly be called as old as human civilization. Irrespective of the political nomenclature or the demographic and geographical boundaries, the people from the Arab world have been travelling to India as merchants, travelers, intellectuals and religious scholars.
The recent visit of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosque King Adullah bin Abdulaziz to the Republic of India can be termed as historic. It signified the importance of the already broad based and multi faceted relations between the two nations. This visit will herald a new era in the bilateral relation. I may point out here that keeping aside the Royal Protocol the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques himself signed the ‘Delhi Declaration’ at the end of visit. Is it not indicative of the importance of India?
Q2: What further initiatives do you consider necessary for enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries?
Ans. The Delhi Declaration signed by the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and Prime Minister of India has mentioned further initiatives to be taken up by the two Governments to enhance cooperation and to developing a broad strategic relationship, which will be beneficial for the People of both countries.
Q3: With both countries pledging to fight terrorism it may mark speedy integration of the economics of South Asia and the Gulf region. What’s your opinion?
Ans. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is itself a victim to this menace and has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned acts of terrorism, which invariably contravene all religious values and civilized norms. We have always supported all international efforts exerted to tackle this dangerous phenomenon. In this reference, I must mention here that a Counter Terrorism Conference was initiated by the Kingdom in Feb 2005 in which 45 countries and eight international and regional organizations participated including India. In this conference it was stressed that any international efforts will not be sufficient if not conducted within the frame work of joint-action and an all inclusive strategic vision. Let me quote what the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques had said about terrorism while inaugurating this conference “ . . .. Terrorism when it strikes its victims does not differentiate between Cultures, faiths or forms to any culture, religion or political system. It is a global crime perpetuated by evil minds filled with hatred towards humanity and consumed with a blind desire to kill and destroy”.
Saudi Arabia and India had in the past always actively cooperated to fight this menace and by signing the Memorandum of Understanding on combating crime the countries have reaffirmed their stated position. It also sends a strong signal to every one that our governments mean business.
Q4: What role do you envisage for India in the security environment of South Asia and the countries of Gulf region?
Ans. From the strategic point of view, the countries of the Gulf region and India share the desire for political stability and security in the region. The common political and security concerns of India & GCC translate into efforts for peace, security & stability in the Gulf region and South Asia.
Q5: Saudi Arabia declaring support for India’s observer status in the Organization of Islamic Countries can have a huge effect in easing the tensions between India and Pakistan besides helping solve the Kashmir problem. What are your views?
Ans. One of the most fundamental principles of OIC is to resolve all conflicts through dialogue and settle them by strictly abstaining from the use of force or threat. The Kingdom believes in this principle and emphasized the importance of Peace. Kashmir is an area of dispute between two friends of the Kingdom and we are very much hopeful that this issue will be resolved peacefully as both countries can devote their energies to achieve economic gains and to establish peace and stability in this part of the world.
Q6: Due to India’s enormous energy needs and the fact that India and Saudi Arabia have largely been interdependent, don’t you think that India’s role in energy sector in Saudi Arabia should be encouraged?
Ans. The Kingdom, you may be aware, is the principal source of India’s crude oil requirement meeting as much as nearly 26% of its crude needs. Saudi Arabia has a very balanced petroleum policy that is committed to ensure stability in the world oil market. We have been a reliable partner of India both in times of crisis and abundance.
It has been agreed that both Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Republic of India will develop a strategic partnership based on complimentarity and interdependence which includes cooperation and joint ventures both in Public and Private sectors in the upstream and downstream oil & gas sectors in the Kingdom and India as well as in third countries.
Q7: Joint ventures in the sunrise sectors will involve interaction between the younger generations of the two countries. What according to you will be the effect on future relations?
Ans. There is a substantive mutuality of economic interest in every sector between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Republic of India. The Joint Ventures between the Kingdom and India located in either countries number 156 till date. India has surely emerged as a leading power in industries and services. There are major
Indian firms from what you call sunrise sectors in the Kingdom, either as joint venture companies or wholly owned subsidiaries. More so, the two countries have in principle agreed for Educational Exchange programmes, including setting up Centre for Excellence which will provide opportunity to the younger generation of both countries to interact, understand each other and we hope that this will be a prelude to maintain a good harmonious relations in the future.
Q8: With your country having vast financial resources, do you think we can hope for a much greater flow of investment in India?
Ans. Over the years, the economic relations have deepened and become more broad based. The investment in joint venture projects both in Saudi Arabia and India are increasing day by day. During the visit of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques the Saudi business houses signed eleven MOUs in different sectors with the Indian business houses. The Saudi Businessmen look towards India as a reliable destination for investment. The signing of Agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation & Investment Promotion recently will facilitate further investment opportunity to both countries.
Q9: How about engaging the Indian corporate world in the economic development of your country?
Ans. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a highly liberalized and open economy enjoying commercial and political stability. Saudi Arabia is presently in the midst of unprecedented economic boom covering all spheres of
national economy – GDP of the Kingdom has increased by billions reaching $250 billion in 2004 from $188 billion in 2002. The Saudi Govt. has a plan to invest $700 billion during the next two decades on upgrading infrastructure. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has been actively working with Govt. agencies and the private sector towards improving the investment climate in the Kingdom.
The entrance of Saudi Arabia to the WTO has further integrated its economy into the world economy. Saudi Arabia is keen to attract foreign investment in almost all sectors of economy and incentives offered include soft loan taxation benefits, and a world class infra-structure facilities. I invite the Indian corporate sector to seize these opportunities offered by the Kingdom so that business and economy may flourish in our two countries.
Saleh Mohd. Al-Ghamdi
Ambassador
Date Appeared: 11th March 2006
Sahara Times, New Delhi.
