First India-Egypt dialogue begins in Cairo

Experts from think tanks of India and Egypt today began a two-day dialogue to discuss a number of issues of common interest, development challenges and steps to revive Indo-Egyptian partnership.

The American University in Cairo in coordination with the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi hosts the first session of the dialogue where the Egyptian side was represented by the School for Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP).

Delivering the inauguration speech, Nabil Fahmi, Dean of GAPP, cited India as an example of how things should have been managed because it is a nation that encompassed different religions.

"We are looking forward to learn from your experience," he said.

Fahmi said the main challenge facing Egypt is to establish its identity in the 21st century.

"We were very sure what we wanted two years ago. But today we are not that sure," he said.

Indian strategic expert Dr C Raja Mohan said: "We're here to exchange ideas and I am sure there's so much we can learn from each other."