New Delhi, Apr 22 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left on a two-day visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to attend various meetings, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman.

The PM in a post on X said, that India values its historic relations with Saudi Arabia.

“Bilateral ties have gained significant momentum in the last decade. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. I will also be interacting with the Indian community there.”

In a departure statement, the PM said:

“India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years.

“Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy and people to people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.

“This will be my third visit to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and a first one to the historic city of Jeddah.

“I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and build upon the highly successful State visit of my brother His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023.

“I am also eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties.”

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, the India-Saudi High-level Task Force on Investments held its meeting in Riyadh yesterday.

The meeting co-chaired by P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM Modi and Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, Saudi Arabia. They discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual importance, the Indian Embassy said in a post on X.

The meeting was also attended by BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO NITI Aayog, Indian Ambassador Suhel Khan, Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Sanjeet Singh, Advisor Niti Aayog and Counsellor Manusmriti.

UNI RN