E-Paper
India to train Saudi diplomats
India and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement on the training of diplomats and exchange of information between the two countries.
India and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement on the training of diplomats and exchange of information and expertise between the two countries.
A memorandum of understanding was signed here Friday between the Information and Studies Centre (ISC) of the Saudi ministry of foreign affairs and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) managed by the Indian external affairs ministry.
The agreement was signed between Mohammad bin Saud bin Khalid, director general of ISC, and Atish Sinha, dean of FSI, in the presence of Saudi ambassador Saleh Mohammad Al-Ghamdi, said a Saudi embassy statement issued here Monday.
The Delhi-based FSI has acquired a reputation for being the prized address for budding diplomats, especially from Third World countries.
The agreement provides for an exchange of information and expertise and the conduct of research and studies between the two sides, including the training and deputation of diplomats to New Delhi and Riyadh. Both sides will hold seminars on global affairs and India-Saudi relations.
Relations between India and Saudi Arabia are rapidly expanding, with bilateral trade estimated to be over $5 billion. Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of crude oil to India, accounting for over 20 percent of its requirements.
Over one million Indians, who live and work in Saudi Arabia, form the crucial cultural and economic bridge between the two countries.
