Saudi Arabia and India vehemently condemned terrorism in all its forms, regardless of the identity and motives of perpetrators, under the pretext of religion.

This came during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Saudi Arabia where he held talks with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The two sides signed five agreements, including a key pact on terror financing and money laundering.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the financial intelligence units of the two countries on cooperation in the exchange of intelligence related to terrorism financing and related crimes amid the spread of Daesh and threats from groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity-building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. 

Modi and Salman also directed their relevant agencies to coordinate efforts to counter radicalization and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and perpetrating and justifying terrorism for pursuing political aims. 

The two leaders called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice. 

Delhi and Riyadh also agreed on the need to intensify bilateral defense cooperation, through exchange of visits by military personnel and experts, conduct of joint military exercises, exchange of visits of ships and aircraft and supply of arms and ammunition and their joint development.

As for the Palestinian cause, the two sides expressed their hope for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy, in a way that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent, united and viable state, with Al Quds as its capital.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, based on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. 

They stressed upon the urgent need to pursue UN reforms,
including of the Security Council through an expansion in both categories of its membership, to make it more
representative, credible and effective.

The two leaders discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the security situation in West
Asia, Middle East and South Asia, in the light of their common interest in the regional and global peace, security and
stability. 

Referring to the earlier declarations with regard to the situation in Yemen and Syria, they called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions (2216, 2254 and 2268). 

They also expressed grave concern regarding security situation in Libya and Iraq. In this regard, they reiterated the importance of a peaceful resolution of these issues through dialogue and political negotiations.

Source: MENA