By RINA,
New Delhi: The first ever India Arab Forum with the theme of ‘Partnership through Culture’ began here in New Delhi on December 2.
Delivering the inaugural address Union Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee termed the forming of the Forum as a “Landmark in India-Arab relationship”. Mukherjee pointed out, “India’s vibrant relationship with the Arab world goes back to centuries. In fact as long as the time itself. It encompasses all aspects of life”. On the cultural front, “Our folk tales are derived from common heritage”, he disclosed. “Even before the advent of Islam Indian Peninsula had cordial ties with the Arabian Peninsula”, informed Mukherjee.
Specifically mentioning the Gulf region Mukherjee stressed, “It (Gulf region) is an important source of energy”. Talking of the “common challenges” Mukherjee claimed, “India and Arab World face common challenges”. Reiterating India stand on the Palestinian struggle Mukherjee emphasized, “India has always supported the Palestinian struggle but at the same time is pained by the fact that Peace Process is not moving ahead. We wholeheartedly support Arab Peace Initiative. We are in favour of continued dialogue”. He also revealed, “India has called for the stopping of Israeli expansion in the Palestinian territories”. Criticizing Israel’s blockade Mukherjee said, “There can be no justification for embargo of essential commodities.” Referring to the efficacy of the Forum Mukherjee declared, “I am confident that this Forum will emerge as a mechanism in various sectors”.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary General of League of Arab States Dr. Amre Moussa while congratulating India called it a “major endeavour”. He expressed the hope that, “It (Forum) will bring India and the Arab World together and reaffirm our relationship”. Relating to the “common legacy” of India and Arab Dr. Moussa stated, “We are one, we are similar, we have a rich legacy that makes us move with determination for future”. Shedding light on the composition of the India Forum Dr. Moussa highlighted, “This forum is a new forum with many baskets: political, economic and cultural”. Elaborating on these baskets Dr. Moussa clarified, “On the political basket in this age of globalization we have to cooperate to save humanity from calamities. On the economic basket opportunities are at a galore. Within a couple of years trade between India and Arab countries will cross US $100 billion mark. On the cultural basket we have to ensure meeting of private sector, civil society etc.”
According to Dr. Moussa, “Political problems emanate from misunderstandings and thus clash of civilization occurs”. He reminded of the “duty” to defeat clash of civilization. “We have a duty to stand together up to the negative notions of clash of civilization that benefit both of us”. In his concluding remarks Mr. N. Ravis Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, government of India reflected, “Today’s event is a reflection of century old alliance. Events related with the India Arab Forum will lead us to hope. Today’s event is certain to lead us for mutually beneficial relationship”. The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Amit Mitra Director General of Federation of India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). “Mr. Sanjay Singh, Additional Secretary Ministry of External Affairs, government of India started this venture” told Dr, Mitra.
The India Arab Forum is jointly organized by FICCI, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, IGNCA and League of Arab States. The various activities of the India Arab Culture Forum will continue till the 7 December. More than 180 artistes from as many as 12 different Arab countries will perform in India during the next five days. Paintings of famous artists from Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait will be on display. Arab Fine Arts and Book exhibition will be on from 4 to 7 December at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. In the Arab Film Festival films from various Arab countries will be screened. The films that are scheduled for screening are: The Royal Tour (Jordan, 4 December), Out of Courage (Syria, 4 December), Masters of Desert (Kuwait, 4 December), Bosta The Bus (Lebanon, 5 December), I Love Cinema (Egypt, 5 December), The Moroccan Symphony (Morocco, 5 December), The Identity (Syria, 6 December), Ring of Fire (Lebanon, 6 December), and Teenage Memoirs (Egypt, 6 December).