Algerian President is Republic Day chief guest

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 23. India is set to deepen its engagement of moderate Arab States by rolling out the red carpet for the visiting President of Algeria, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

The Algerian President will be the first ever Arab head of to State to be received as the chief guest at Republic Day celebration.

India's ambassador to Algeria, Mr. Mahesh Sachdev, said New Delhi and Algiers are getting ready to substantiate their economic and political relationship.

The Oil and Natural Gas Commission (Videsh) is negotiating a Rs.2,000 crore deal with the Algerian oil major Sonatrach to prospect for oil. The two sides are also finalising an agreement for joint forays in third countries, including Iraq.

A tie-up in the steel sector is also being negotiated. Ispat International, owned by the steel magnate, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal is negotiating the purchase of an existing steel plant in Algeria. The Algerian government's disinvesting its stake in this plant.

Both sides have a common approach to combating terrorism. Algeria has been a victim of terrorist attacks from pan-Islamic militants trained in Afghanistan. Terrorism has resulted in nearly 100,000 deaths in Algeria in the last eight years. This is an unacceptably high toll, given Algeria's total population of around 30 million people.

Not surprisingly, the two sides are expected to exchange notes on counter-terrorism. Defence cooperation is also on the agenda, given Algeria's large Soviet origin equipment profile. Besides, Algeria is seeking India's involvement to convert its largely guerilla army into a regular professional force.

Mr. Bouteflika's presence here is part of India's effort to reach out to moderate Islamic nations. India is trying to forge special ties with Indonesia, Oman and recently with Iraq. The External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, has just concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia and had earlier visited Iran.

During his stay, Mr. Bouteflika will hold talks with the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan. The External Affairs Minister and the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, will also call on the visiting dignitary.

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Section  : National
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