In an effort at strengthening relations with Arab nations,India was trying to put in place a structure of multifaceted cooperation in all sectors,Minister of state for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor today said. It is a matter of satisfaction that our efforts are being matched in equal measure by the countries of the Arab world, he said inaugurating a seminar in Kochi on Indo Arab Relations Last year witnessed several high level bilateral visits,peaking with Prime ministers visit to Qatar and Oman in November,he said. On the Palestian issue,he said Indias solidarity with the Palestianians and its attitude to the Palestinian question reflects,perhaps more than any other issue,the enduring nature of Indo-Arab ties. India had expressed concern over continuing expansion of Israeli settlements,he added. India considers that the Arab region has very important role in shaping our political,economic,defence and security policies at both regional and global level, Tharoor said. Indias approach on issues affecting the Arab world was based on principles,not expediency. India has endeavoured to follow the spirit of South-South solidarity and cooperation in its dealings with the Gulf and Arab world,he said. Referring to the trade ties,he said Indias trade relations with Arab countrise was booming. The Gulf region has emerged as a major trading partner of India. During 2006-07,the total two-way trade was USD 47 billion while in 2007-08 it crossed USD 76 billion,while the trade with non-Gulf Arab countries totalled more than USD 13 billion in 2007-08. The total trade with Arab countries was about USD 90 billion in 2007-08.
