Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed stressed on the fact that Saudi Arabia is an important part of our extended neighborhood and "the commonalities, inter alia, in our culture & tradition bear testimony to this historic relationship" as he welcomed all Monday to the joyous celebration of the Republic Day of India. The Indian Embassy hosted a reception at the Cultural Palace, Riyadh, to commemorate the 70th Republic Day. Riyadh Emir Prince Faisal bin Bandar was the chief guest. A number of senior Saudi officials, businessmen, media personalities, diplomats from the foreign missions accredited to Riyadh, scholars, writers and a cross section of the Indian community members attended the event. On the occasion, the Ambassador addressed the gathering, which was followed by cake cutting and a cultural performance by a traditional Indian dance group who came all the way from India for this event. Ambassador Javed said, in his address, the Kingdom has always taken cognizance of India's historical socio-economic-cultural bonding with people in the Arabian Peninsula. "The commitment at the highest level further cemented the strategic partnership to look beyond the conventional areas of cooperation into defense, counter-terrorism, investments, science & technology etc. "The bilateral cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism and security fields has intensified. In the defense domain, our two countries are having regular interaction under the umbrella of Joint Committee for Defense Cooperation. In a new area of cooperation, batches from Saudi Defense Ministry cadets are getting training in India. "India has been a partner in the growth and development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is ready to offer its whole-hearted support towards achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. "There has been renewed interest in Investment in India. Saudi Aramco committed to 50 % partnership in the $ 44 billion Ratnagiri Refinery project. Saudi Energy Minister visited India thrice in 2018. A number of other investment projects are being considered." He then highlighted the fact that India was accorded the privilege of being the ‘Guest of Honor' at the 32nd edition of Janadriyah — the Saudi National Festival of Heritage and Culture in February 2018. He also spoke about the fact that yoga was accorded a legal status in the Kingdom and, for the first time, Indians celebrated the 4th International Day of Yoga in the prestigious Al-Madi Park of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, the National Museum, with full support of the Saudi authorities. He rounded off his address stating, "I would like to avail this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, and the government for making elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety, security and comfort of the Indian pilgrims of Haj and Umrah; and for hosting our large Indian community." The spectacular performance of a 10-member cultural troupe, led by Longjam Biren Singh, was the highlight of the cultural events held on the occasion. The troupe, hailing from Manipur mesmerized the attendees with their diverse traditional dance and martial art forms. — SG
