Wednesday, March 23 2005 14:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dubai: India has offered to share with the Arab world its expertise in biotechnology, science and technology, healthcare and education to build on the historically close bilateral ties, while reiterating its support to an independent Palestinian State.

"India's participation in the 17th Arab League summit is a reflection of traditionally close relations with Arab countries and people and manifestation of the special thrust accorded by the present Government in India in further strengthening the fraternal bond with the Arab world," Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said in the summit, in which India was participating for the first time as an observer.

"India is prepared to share with the Arab brethren its experience and expertise in institution and capacity building, governance, science and technology, biotechnology, healthcare and higher education," he said.

He reiterated India's firm support for the just rights of Palestinian people including the establishment of an independent viable and sovereign Palestine State and cooperating with the Government of Mahmoud Abbas in the task of reconstruction of Palestinian society.

He said that India valued the more than 3.5 million expatriates who live and work in the Arab world harmoniously and are preferred for their skills, productivity and dependability.