India and the Arab League have called for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria. The issue came up for discussion during the meeting of the External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna and the Arab League Secretary General Nabil al Arabi in Cairo on Sunday.

The luncheon meeting in Cairo between the External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Arab League Chief Nabil Al Araby lasted for over an hour.The two leaders shared views on a wide range of issues in the Arabic world and West Asia region.

Shri Krishna said the violence from all sides must end, a Syrian led inclusive dialogue process should begin and there should be no external interference. Nabil Al Arabi said humanitarian assistance must reach out to the affected civilians.

In order to give a boost to the bilateral co-operation,India and Arab League decided to hold India -Arab Investment Project Conclave on 22nd-23rd May in the UAE Capital Abu Dhabi.

An India Arab Cultural Festival will be organized most likely in Egypt in the later half of this year.

Arab League Chief showed keen interest in Human resource Development issues esp. in education. Earlier in the day he chaired a meeting of Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions in West Asia and North Africa region.

In the evening, he unveiled the portrait of Guru Dev Rabindra Nath Tagore at the House of Poetry in Cairo and attended a reception for the NRI and diplomatic community at India House.