India has a big role to play for peace: Khalifa

ABU DHABI - The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said on Monday that India has an important role to play in achieving peace and security in the Indian Ocean and East Asia zone.

In a meeting with Indian President Pratibha Patil at the Mushrif Palace, Shaikh Khalifa also highlighted India's contribution to realisation of the security at international arena.

Welcoming the Indian president and her entourage, Shaikh Khalifa said that the visit reflected the depth of cooperation, friendship and historic links between the UAE and India. "The visit will open more avenues for cooperation between the two countries in the best interest of the peoples of the two countries."

Shaikh Khalifa hailed the contribution of the Indian community to the development projects in the UAE.

The bilateral talks focused on cooperation in the areas of politics, economy, culture, science and exchange of views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two sides underscored the significance of regional and international cooperation regarding resolution of international issues and boosting peace, security and stability worldwide.

They also expressed satisfaction about continuous progress of the bilateral relations.

President Patil expressed her pleasure on visiting the UAE and meeting Shaikh Khalifa. She hailed the historic relations between the UAE and India. "We do appreciate the UAE under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa for hospitality being extended to the Indian workforce in the country".

The Indian president commended the stance of the UAE in bolstering international security and peace, and its role in providing humanitarian aid to the developing countries.

At conclusion of the talks both sides reiterated the importance of sustaining current cooperation between the UAE and ?India.

Shaikh Khalifa hosted a banquet in honour of President Patil and her entourage.

Earlier, on arrival at the Mushrif Palace Shaikh Khalifa received Pratibha Patil. She was presented a Guard of Honour and 21-gun salute. The national anthem of India was also played on the occasion.

In the Union Hall of the palace President Patil shook hands with Shaikhs and senior officials, including Representative of UAE President Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of Ruler of Abu Dhabi Shaikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt-Gen. Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation Shaikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Shaikh Khalifa greeted members of the high profile delegation accompanying President Patil, including Indian Ambassador to UAE M. K. Lokesh and a number of senior Indian officials.

(Wam) - 23 November 2010