From the Rantburg Diplomacy Desk:NEW DELHI, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- Saudi Ambassador based here, Saleh Al-Ghamedi, said on Saturday his country and India would sign a number of cooperation protocols during the visit of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. He told a press conference, held to mark the opening of the "Saudi Products in India Expo", that the king, whose multi-day visit would commence on Jan 24, will sign agreements to cancel double taxation and protect investments.
A high-level delegation comprising the finance and oil ministers is accompanying the monarch. A group of over 80 Saudi businessmen were invited to attend a joint business council that will be held here during the king's visit. The two countries trade exchange is valued at over USD 7 billion a year, while over 1.7 million Indian nationals work in Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day 2006 celebrations set for Jan. 26.
The Indian president will hold a state banquet in honor of King Abdullah, who would also meet and hold talks with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The king would inaugurate a Saudi Exhibition at Pragati Maidan and address a Business Summit hosted by the apex Chambers of Indian Commerce and Industry. The King would also visit Jamia Millia Islamia where he would receive an Honorary Doctorate.