New Delhi, SPA
Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh Province, met today at his residence here Indian Minister for Foreign Affairs S. M. Krishna, as part of his current visit to India at the invitation of Indian Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari.
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and reviewed relations of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and India and ways of their enhancement, as well as issues of common concern.
The Prince expressed his pleasure over visiting the friendly Republic of India which has had historical ties over years and further enhanced day after day under the wise leaderships of the two countries.
On his part, Krishna expressed his appreciation of Prince Salman for this visit which came in continuation of mutual visits between the leaders of the two countries for the enhancement of joint action and cooperation in political, economic, cultural and other fields for the interest of their peoples.
Following the meeting, Prince Salman expressed his thanks to and appreciation of the Indian Foreign Affairs Minister for what he said about relations between the two friendly countries, emphasizing that they have been deep relations based on the interests of the two countries and the region in all fields, pointing out that his visit to India comes within this framework.
The Prince said his meeting with the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed several issues pertaining to relations between the two countries and developments at international arena.
He stressed in this context that terrorism is a global scourge, saying, 'We condemn the scourge of terrorism and we do not accept it from any party whatsoever. Our Islamic religion forbids terrorism, murder or causing damage to human beings. Saudi Arabia's position is clear in this direction.'
The Prince highlighted the importance of visits between the two countries in the enhancement of cooperation, including the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to India, and the visit of Indian Prime Minister to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the framework of good relations between them.
He said,' I am here representing the Kingdom and I express its policy, which is a policy of cooperation and fraternity. Our objectives have been common for the interests of the two peoples and the region which are essential goals of the Kingdom's objectives.'
On his part, the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his pleasure over meeting with Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz on his visit to India.
He pointed out that the Indian Vice President discussed with Prince Salman topics and fields of mutual cooperation, stressing identical and similar views between the two countries pertaining to the situations in the region and the achievement of peace.
He said, 'We realize together that terrorism must be fought in a comprehensive manner but not selectively, regardless of its source and the place from where it is launched. We must seek for working to combat terrorism in our two countries and regions.'
The meeting was attended by Prince Dr. Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to Prince Salman; Prince Turki bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Prince Naif bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Prince Bandar bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Al Muqrin, Mayor of Riyadh Province; Saudi Ambassador to India Faisal bin Hassan Trad; and Director General of Prince Salman's Office Assaf bin Salem Abu Thinain.
