India and Saudi Arabia have decided to develop joint strategies to combat challenges like terrorism and money laundering and enhance cooperation in exchange of information in this regard, the Indian government told Parliament Thursday.
Making a suo motu statement in both Houses of Parliament on the Prime Minister's visit to Saudi Arabia, India's External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said the trip was "highly successful".
The most important outcome of the visit was the signing of the historic Riyadh Declaration by India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and King Abdullah in which the two countries decided to raise cooperation to a strategic partnership covering security, economic, defence and political areas, he said.
In particular, both leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening the strategic energy partnership, he said.
The two leaders condemned the phenomena of terrorism, extremism and violence, affirming that it is global and threatens all societies and not linked to any race, colour or belief, Krishna said.
Singh and Abdullah said the international community must resolutely combat terrorism.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in exchange of information relating to terrorist activities, money laundering, narcotics, arms and human traffic and develop joint strategies to combat these threats, he said.