PRESS RELEASE

Ambassador of Israel to India, Mr. Mark Sofer today called on the BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh at his residence, 38 Ashok Road in New Delhi. During the meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, Shri Singh exchanged views on wide range of national and international issues.

Expressing concern over escalating tension between Iran and Israel BJP President said that the issues should be resolved through dialogue."

Highlighting the significance of Indo-Israel bilateral relations Shri Singh said, "BJP has always valued India's relations with Israel as both the countries are proud inheritors of great civilizations and share common interest on many issues."

Making a special mention of growing menace of terrorism Mr Sofer said that both the countries were victims of terrorism. Responding to him Shri Singh said BJP is also in favour of adopting a strong policy against terrorism and India could benefit from Israel's experiences while fighting with terror.

Recalling the NDA regime BJP President said, "Bilateral relations between India and Israel not only flourished under the able leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee but also touched a new high."

Appreciating Shri Singh's interest in agriculture the Ambassador told him that there were many areas in agriculture and allied activities where Israel could help India with its advanced technology. Mr Sofer apprised the BJP President of the programmes and initiatives taken up by Israel in certain BJP ruled States like Rajasthan, in meeting the challenges of adequate food production and development.

At the end of the meeting the Ambassador extended the BJP President an invitation to visit Israel later this year.

The meeting was also attended by the Convenor of Foreign Affairs Cell, Shri S K Arora and Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi, Political Advisor to BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh.