Thaindian News

Riyadh, Mar. 1 (ANI): In what is a clear reflection of an emerging strategic partnership, visiting Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Saudi Arabian monarch King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz signed the historic Riyadh Declaration at Grandoise Al Rawdah Palace on Sunday.

Before the event, the Indian Prime Minister was formally recieved by King Abdullah and was also bestowed with a special honour called Shaish. The Crown Prince,Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, had recieved this rare honour before Dr.Singh.

The Riyadh Declaration is similar to the Delhi Declaration that was signed in 2006 when King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz visited the Indian capital.

In the Riyadh Declaration, both leaders condemned the phenomena of terrorism , extremism and violence, and affirmed that it was global in nature and threatened all societies, irrespective of race,colour or belief.

Sources said India and Saudi Arabia held deep discussions on the security scenario prevailing in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal had expressed concern over growing dangerous trends in Pakistan.

The two leaders also welcomed the signing of the five bilateral agreements in the declaration.

The two sides agreed to enhance copeeration in exchange of information relating to terrorist activities,money laundering , narcotics , arms and human trafficking and develop joint strategies to combat these threats. Both urged the international community to resolutely combat terrorism.

The Riyadh Declaration also called for the preservation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and indepennce. Both leaders expressed full support for efforts aimed at helping Kabul to develop its infrastructure and achieve social and economic development.

They also emphasised the importance of regional and international efforts with a focus on making the Middle East and the Gulf region free of all nuclear weapons. (ANI)