M A I N   N E W S

India, Egypt sign seven accords
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promises all assistance to Morsi
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

New Delhi, March 19
India today rolled out a red carpet for Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi with Prime Minister offering to share this country’s experience with the Arab nation in a wide range of fields, including IT, renewable energy, services, small and medium enterprises and manufacturing and fertilizers.

Morsi, the first democratically elected leader of the Arab nation, had detailed talks with Manmohan Singh on regional and global issues after which the two countries signed seven agreements, including MoUs in the field of cyber security, setting up of a centre for excellence in IT at Egypt’s Al Azhar University, cooperation in the field of protection of intellectual property rights and prevention of illicit traffic of antiquities.

A letter of intent concerning launch services of an Egyptian nano satellite on board the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was also inked between Antrix Corporation of India and the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences.

As Manmohan shook hands with the Egyptian leader at a brief media-interaction, Morsi described the Indian PM as a ‘noble brother’, emphasising that his visit reflected his country’s desire to strengthen ties with India.

He said he welcomed India’s contribution in the Suez Canal corridor project which was aimed to become a bridge connecting Africa with Asia. The project, once completed, would make Egypt a hub for India’s exports to the West and boost this country’s trade considerably.

Expressing admiration for the courage and sacrifices of the people of Egypt in ushering in a new era of democracy, the PM expressed confidence that Morsi would “ably lead his nation in building strong institutions and frameworks for democracy, social justice and inclusive economic development.’’

Morsi was catapulted to power last year following a wave of pro-democracy protests in February 2011 against the 30-year-old authoritarian rule of Hosni Mubarak. The PM said both countries share interest in peace and stability in the Gulf, West Asia and the North African region. The two leaders also discussed the deteriorating situation in Syria and condemned the violence and loss of innocent lives there.