'Indo-Israeli relations excellent'

JERUSALEM, JUNE 28. Israel has expressed satisfaction over relations with India saying the excellent cooperation between the two countries had grown manifold in recent years.

The two countries have enhanced cooperation in a major way in various fields such as defence, trade and culture, and the ties would continue to grow stronger in the near future, the Israeli President, Mr. Moshe Katsav, told the outgoing Indian Ambassador, Mr. Ranjan Mathai, who called on him.

Mr. Mathai, who would be taking over as the Indian Ambassador to Qatar, said the two countries had witnessed increasing cooperation over the years, with bilateral trade shooting up to $ 1.1 billions last year.

A series of high-profile visits by leaders from across the Indian political spectrum has further strengthened the bonds between two countries, Mr. Mathai said.

The Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani and the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, had paid high-profile visits to Israel last year, providing a major thrust to expansion of relations in various fields, including counter-terrorism and security cooperation.

The Congress leader and the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Najma Heptullah, and the Minister of State for Commerce, Mr. Raman Singh, were also in Israel last year, as were the Chiefs of Army, Air Force and Navy.

Israel has described India as ``a major factor in Asia'' and its important partner in various fields, including trade and security. The views were expressed by Mr. Moshe Katsav, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Shimon Peres, and other leaders.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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