Riyadh, (Saudi Arabia): Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started his two-day visit here by touring the historical Masmak Fortress, a 1865 monument now turned into a museum.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Saudi officials toured the Masmak Fortress, an important place in the unification of Saudi Arabia.
“A walk through history. PM @narendramodi visits galleries on the life and times of King Abdul Aziz at Masmak Fortress.” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi also signed the visitor’s log book and was gifted traditional Saudi souvenir from the officials at the museum.
He also watched a short documentary, while being briefed about its content.
The Director of the Al-Masmak Palace Museum was seen showing the Prime Minister around, explaining the rich history behind the museum.
Masmak Fort was the scene of Ibn Saud’s daring 1902 raid on Al- Rashid garrison to regain the control of Riyadh.
Later in the day, he met people from the Indian community and addressed them.
The Prime Minister will also visit the Larsen &Toubro workers residential complex at Dahiat Namar at Riyadh.
The L&T, with partnership of Italian and Saudi companies, is constructing a 42 km long segment of Line-3 of Riyadh Metro.
Prime Minister Modi arrived here on the final leg of his three-nation tour that began on March 30 with a visit to Brussels.
He was received by the Governor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
The Prime Minster will be meeting Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s son, Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who many diplomats and Saudis feel could be the future monarch.
Prime Minister Modi is the fourth Indian Prime Minister to visit Saudi Arabia after Manmohan Singh in 2010, Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956.
During his meetings with the Saudi leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to focus on counter-terrorism initiatives and ways to ensure the greater involvement of Indian companies in upstream and downstream oil, gas and hydrocarbon sector projects. (ANI)