New Delhi [India], Feb 7: The External Affairs Minister reached Riyadh on yesterday (6th February) on her first official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as India has been invited as the Guest of Honor country for the festival. Swaraj in her first engagement addressed Indian community members at a reception in Riyadh and spoke about the relations between the two countries. She hailed PM Modi's 2016 visit to the Gulf kingdom as a strong visit that provided the much needed impetus to growth of relations between both the countries.
External Affair Sushma Swaraj also thanked the Indian community for the good will it has earned for the country and lauded the Indian embassy for its promptness. During her three day visit, she will meet with the Saudi leadership to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The India pavilion will provide glimpses of traditional and modern India. The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) is sending nine different cultural troupes for the cultural performances which include Kathakali, Kalariyaptu, Kathak, Manipuri and others. There will be cultural performances during evenings in this 18-day festival, Singh said.Swaraj is leading a large delegation that includes Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, will be accompanied by members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
