Antony met King Abdullah on his arrival Feb
13, ahead of his talks with his Saudi counterpart
on defence cooperation.
During the 30-minute meeting, the two leaders
expressed satisfaction over the enhanced cooperation
in strategic relations, especially in security,
defence, economic and political fields, according
to Indian defence ministry spokesman Sitanshu
Kar, who is accompanying the Indian minister.
"King Abdullah offered all assistance, including
additional supply of crude oil, should India require
the same. He expressed eagerness to strengthen
relations with India," the spokesperson said.
"King Abdullah fondly remembered the role
played by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in India-Saudi
Arabia relations. He recalled his visit to India
in 2006 when the Delhi Declaration was signed,
setting forth the vision for the two countries
to cooperate in various fields," Kar said.
The reciprocal visit by the Indian Prime Minister
to the Saudi kingdom in 2010 raised the level
of bilateral engagements to a strategic level.
Kar noted that King Abdullah paid rich tributes
to Indian immigrants who have played a key role
in enriching the Saudi economy and the social
life of Saudi Arabia.
Antony hoped his discussions with Prince Salman
and Prince Khalid Tuesday would lead to specific
initiatives to deepen defence exchanges.
He said the current situation in the Gulf region
was a cause for concern for India. He hoped that
the crisis in the region would be resolved through
peaceful dialogue.
(IANS)
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