Boost for bilateral ties as Farooq Abdullah concludes Egypt visit

India and Egypt have agreed to deepen their bilateral ties and boost the role of the Indian private sector in the field of wind and solar energy in the country as minister of new and renewable energy Farooq Abdullah concluded a five-day trip today.

Abdullah, who was leading a 14-member business delegation, held talks with Egyptian minister of electricity and energy Hassan Yunis to push joint cooperation in the fields of power and renewable energy.

During the visit from January 19, the two nations inked a key memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in joint research studies and technical projects, to train human cadres and organise workshops and symposiums.

India also agreed to implement a pilot project on renewable energy in Egypt to enhance cooperation and encourage the boost the participation of Indian private sector in strengthening wind and solar energy here.

Abdullah earlier said the partnership with Egypt in the field of renewable energy is win-win situation.

"We feel we should help each other, this is an energy that is good for all and it is free from God and it does not have damaging effects to the environment," Abdullah said.

The Indian minister said Egypt has the unique distinction of being the centre of Africa, Europe and the Arab countries. Thus it can easily export excess energy to other countries, he said.

Moreover, both the countries have traditionally enjoyed close bilateral ties based on common worldview and membership of key organisations, including being the founding members of NAM.

Ten per cent of Indian energy is generated from renewable sources, mostly from wind. India plans to produce 20 megawatts from solar energy by the year 2020.