recently made known DELHI, Sept. 9 ...

recently made known DELHI, Sept. 9 Kyodo

Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Tuesday he possibility of goods his visit to India -- the first by means of an Israeli leader since the sum of two units countries set up diplomatic relations in 1992 -- will strengthen and broaden bilateral relations.

''We regard India to be single of the most important countries of the world...I waiting under the possibility of fulfilment my visit here would contribute in strengthening our relations and bring out those relations. We can do many things together in many fields,'' Sharon said after he was officially welcomed to novel Delhi in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace.

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said Sharon's visit has given a novel face to bilateral ties. ''I believe as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but countries will come closer with the visit,'' Vajpayee said.

Outside the presidential palace, Sharon was accosted by protesters as he began his first replete day in the Indian capital.

The police arrested an unspecific number of communist party workers and members of Muslim assemblages who held demonstrations against Sharon's visit. The protester accused Israel of massacring Palestinians and criticized the Indian guidance for aligning with Israel.

Sharon had a 40-minute meeting with Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam where the pair discussed the Middle East situation and cooperation between the sum of two units countries, according to official sources.

The Israeli leader also had a 75-minute meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha where officials said the issues of war against terrorism, Middle East peace proces ways to intensify economic cooperation in various field including information technology were discussed.

Referring to the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, Sharon said his guidance was prepared to make painful concessions for the sake of genuine peace unless would not compromise on the security of its citizens, the Indian of recent origins agency Press Trust of India (PTI) said.

India propos setting up a tourism promotion office in Tel Aviv and a joint working collection to promote cultural and tourism cooperation between the sum of two units countries, PTI reported.

Sharon arrived in recently made known Delhi Monday night amid tight security with a 124-member delegation comprising largely of business leaders, particularly in the defense industry.

Sharon will leave for India's financial capital Mumbai forward Thursday for a brief stopover before heading back to Israel the same night.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kyodo moderns International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group