“India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilisations, have enjoyed a history of close ties from ancient times. In fact, this close understanding is reflected in our bilateral relations. We have been able to give much needed thrust to our relations in the last couple of years,” said Indian Ambassador to Cairo Ajit Gupte said during an iftar function at the Indian Embassy in Cairo on Wednesday.
Minister for Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir, Minister for Agriculture and Land Reclamation el-Sayed el-Qoseir, and Al Azhar University Vice President Dr Youssef Amer were present at the function.
“In recent years, there were a number of ministerial visits from both sides. Our bilateral trade figures are robust and are witnessing an upward trajectory. Indian companies are looking at Egypt as a potential investment destination. The fields green energy, green hydrogen, information technology, higher education, infrastructure have emerged as new fields for bilateral cooperation,” Gupte said.
“In view of our growing bilateral relations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah El Sisi, announced the upgrade of bilateral relations to the level of ‘strategic partnership’ during the very successful visit of President Sisi to India in January 2023. I hope that the Egypt’s participation in G20 meetings as a guest country will add further dimensions to not only India-Egypt but also the South-South cooperation,” he added.
“India is known for its diversity of religion, culture, languages. But what makes us unique is our spirit of unity that binds us together. Back in India, all communities come together to celebrate every festival, be it Holi or Diwali or Christmas or Eid El Fitr.”
“India is home to more than 200 million Muslims, making India the third largest country in the world in terms of Muslim population. The celebration of Ramadan in India is very much similar to the celebration of this holy month in Egypt. During Ramadan, Iftar is organised by Hindus, Sikhs and Christians for their Muslim brothers in a manner that reflects the tolerance, solidarity and harmony among the people of India,” Gupte noted.
“You may be surprised to know that the Cheraman Juma Mosque in the state of Kerala, which was built in 629 CE during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), is the oldest mosque in the Indian subcontinent, and is still in use,” he said.
“The holy month of Ramadan is a time for discipline and self-restraint. It is also an occasion to recall shared values of family, community, charity and compassion. Today, more than ever, the values of Ramadan are of great importance for all of us all over the world.”
“Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the advent of Eid- El Fitr.”
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