Thursday, March 23 2006 19:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Observing that its support to Arab causes goes back to its own pre-independence period, India has voiced "firm and unwavering" support to the "just rights" of the Palestinian people and establishment of an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed invited investment from the Arab countries, saying India's vast markets and skilled manpower offer tremendous opportunities for safe and profitable investment from those nations.

"India and the Arab world have enjoyed long historical, political, social and economic relationship based on shared traditions and common values," he said addressing envoys of the Arab countries here last night on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the League of Arab States.

Ahamed said India's support to the Arab cause dates back to its own pre-independence period. "I take this opportunity to reiterate our firm and unwavering support for the just rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state," the minister said.

He said India has been steadfast in its technical and economic cooperation with the Palestinian government for the development and well being of the friendly people of Palestine.

India and the Arab countries

Maintaining that great complimentarity existed between the economies of India and the Arab countries, he said the Arab world is the main source of this country's energy requirements besides being a major destination for Indian exports.

"We welcome Arab investment in India for mutual benefit and profit," Ahamed said, noting that "India's vast markets and skilled manpower offer tremendous opportunities for safe and profitable investment from the Arab countries."

The minister said India has made commendable strides in its development process in the past decade which has been universally recognised.

"India is willing to share its experiences and expertise in small and medium enterprises, agriculture, healthcare, higher education, science and technology, including information technology, biotechnology, etc with our Arab brethren," he said.

He noted that more than 3.5 million non-resident Indians based in the West Asian countries are contributing their skills and productivity to the prosperity of their host countries and thanked "friends in the Arab world" for their hospitality extended to them.