Ahamed conveys India's support to transition process in Egypt

Ahamed held talks with Egyptian Premier Essam Sharaf, his deputy Yehiah Al Aziz El Gamal and Secretary General of The League of Arab States, Amr Moussa. The two-day visit was the first ministerial-level contact between India and Egypt since the January 25 events, which toppled President Hosni Mubarak who had been in power for over three decades.

During the meetings, Ahamed conveyed New Delhi's continued support to Egypt during the transition process. He noted that India looks forward to further strengthening its relationship with Egypt that would contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.

Yesterday, the visiting minister held detailed discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil El-Araby. In addition to strengthening and deepening the bilateral ties, both the ministers decided to increase coordination on international issues. The next round of Political Consultations between the two countries would take place in May 2011 in New Delhi.

A visit to India by the Egyptian Foreign Minister is also being planned, while a delegation led by the Election Commissioner of India is also expected to visit this country to explore cooperation in the electoral process.

Ahamed also called on the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayyib and invited the Grand Sheikh to visit India to attend a conference in Kerala in May 2011. The Grand Sheikh has accepted the invitation. The Indian minister also had a meeting with Nobel Laureate and former IAEA chief Mohamed Elbaradei on the democratic transition process in Egypt.