NEW DELHI, Jan 28: Kuwait’s Ambassador to India, Mishal Al-Shemali, said on Wednesday that the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum represents a bridge toward a strategic partnership and a brighter future for both sides.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Shemali said the ministerial meeting of the forum, scheduled for January 30 in New Delhi, will contribute to strengthening Arab-Indian relations and elevating them to broader horizons across all fields. The meeting, held within the framework of the second Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum, will bring together Arab foreign ministers, or their representatives, with their Indian counterparts.

He said cooperation between the two sides encompasses key areas, including security, energy, investment, and the creation of new trade markets, in addition to unifying efforts and benefiting from India’s capabilities in information technology, science, artificial intelligence, and environmental protection.

Al-Shemali noted that the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the meeting will be headed by Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, and will include specialists from the Arab Affairs and Asian Affairs departments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He highlighted the strength of Arab-Indian relations, which are built on deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, stressing the importance of consolidating these relations to build a solid future for Arab and Indian peoples. He added that there are significant opportunities to expand cooperation, noting that India and many Arab countries share common regional and international challenges and seek to build foundations of trust and mutual respect while strengthening strategic partnerships on issues of common interest.

On the sidelines of the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum meeting, held on January 30 and 31, the headquarters of the Arab-Indian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture will be inaugurated in New Delhi. The event will be attended by Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Abulgheit, Arab ambassadors accredited to New Delhi, and a number of senior Arab and Indian officials.

The Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum was established in 2016 to enhance cooperation between India and the member states of the League of Arab States. Bahrain hosted the forum’s first ministerial meeting.