Wish to expand Indo-Saudi bilateral relations: Jaitley

NEW DELHI: During his official visit to Saudi Arabia, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stated that India would like to enhance bilateral ties with the nation. Jaitley, while addressing the 12th India-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission Meeting, JCM here on Monday, said Saudi Arabia was “a key partner” for India in the long run, adding that the two countries could explore ties in various sectors. Post the meet, minutes were signed and exchanged pertaining to trade and commerce, security, agriculture, information and media, health, vocational training and education, culture and community welfare. Both the sides also reportedly agreed to constitute a Joint Working Group to examine trade and investment issues. On his two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, Jaitley called on the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud here on Sunday. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and means of developing and strengthening them in the future, reported Saudi Arabia’s Arab News. Jaitley also held bilateral talks with Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment of Saudi Arabia on issues of mutual interests.