RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss Sunday a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including terrorism, security cooperation and commercial ties.
“India is a historic partner for our country and we hold a common outlook on life, including many traditions and values,” said Abdullateef Al-Othman, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Friday.
Al-Othman told Arab News that a framework for investment promotion would be signed between SAGIA and the National Investment Promotion Agency of India.
He said Modi’s two-day visit “comes at a time when we can build on strong foundations to chart out new frontiers of strategic investments and partnership.” He said: “We are very excited about the prospects of this visit … Indian enterprises, conglomerates, small and innovative firms are all welcome.”
Sources told Arab News that King Salman would host a ceremonial reception including a lunch in honor of Modi on Sunday. This would be followed by a series of meetings and talks with high-ranking Saudi officials and members of the royal family.
Modi would address a large group of Saudi and Indian businessmen at the Council of Saudi Chambers here on Sunday. Immediately after his arrival in Riyadh, he would be welcomed by the Indian community at a reception at a local hotel.
Modi has also chosen to interact on Saturday with the workers and managers of a major Indian company Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which is involved in the construction of the Riyadh Metro.
L&T currently employs about 1,000 Indian workers alongside Saudi nationals.
Modi, known for his passion for history and heritage, will also visit the old Masmak Palace in the capital, which was built around 1865.
It was here that Ibn Saud recaptured Riyadh in 1902 which eventually led to the setting up of the modern Saudi state.
Modi will wrap up his visit Sunday evening and leave for New Delhi. This is the first prime ministerial visit after Manmohan Singh’s trip in 2010.
Saudi Arabia, home to about 3 million Indian workers, is India’s top energy supplier. The Kingdom is India’s fourth-largest trading partner.
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