Joint Saudi-Indian 8th Committee started its meeting here today. In an augural ceremony, the Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah bin Ahmed Zainal said that the continuing strength, development and growth of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and India have met the aspirations of the two countries in the service of their joint interests in all fields, especially economy and trade. He noted that the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India in 2006 and the issuance of Delhi statement at the end of the visit indicate the Kingdom"s interest in developing cooperation with India in all ways and means as well as the consolidation of bilateral relations in various fields, adding that the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia points to the common desire of the two countries to continue their cooperation. He noted that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries stood at SR 103 billion in 2008. On his part, the Minister of Finance and Head of Indian side Pranab Mukherjee praised the support given to India by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all forums of Group of Twenty. He highlighted identical views between the two countries on the themes of the G-20, including the ongoing deliberations on climate change and looked forward to continued cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The Indian Minister of Finance noted that India is currently the fifth largest trading partner to Saudi Arabia. The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to India Faisal bin Hassan Trad, and Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Othman Farook.
