Your Royal Highness,

Distinguished delegates of both nations,

Friends from the media!

I am truly delighted to participate in the first Leaders’ Meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council today.

During my visit to Saudi Arabia in 2019, we had announced the establishment of this Council.

Over the past four years, it has emerged as an effective instrument for further strengthening our strategic partnership.

I am pleased that, under the framework of this Council, several meetings of both committees have taken place, which have consistently enhanced our cooperation across all sectors.

In keeping with the evolving needs of the times, we are adding new and modern dimensions to our relationship.

For Bharat, Saudi Arabia is among our most important strategic partners.

As two large and rapidly growing economies of the world, our mutual cooperation is vital for peace and stability across the entire region.

In my meeting with His Royal Highness, we identified several initiatives to take our close partnership to the next level.

Today’s meeting will provide new energy and a fresh direction to our relations, and will inspire us to work together continuously for the welfare of humanity.

Yesterday, together, we made a historic beginning towards establishing an Economic Corridor between Bharat, West Asia, and Europe.

This corridor will not only connect our two countries, but will also strengthen economic cooperation, energy development, and digital connectivity between Asia, West Asia, and Europe.

Your Royal Highness, I heartily congratulate you on the remarkable speed with which Saudi Arabia is achieving economic and social progress under your leadership and through your Vision 2030.

We are deeply grateful for your commitment to safeguarding the interests and welfare of Indians residing in Saudi Arabia.

The friendship between Bharat and Saudi Arabia is of great significance for regional and global stability, prosperity, and human welfare.

Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to His Royal Highness and to all of you for your valuable contribution to the success of the G-20 Summit.

I now invite Your Royal Highness to deliver your opening remarks.

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DS/ST/AK