Mohammad, Patil discuss ways to enhance relations

Indian president praises high standard of infrastructure in the UAE
Dubai: The best ways to enhance economic, trade, investment and cultural relations between the UAE and India were discussed yesterday when His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received Indian President Pratibha Patil at the Ruler's Court.

Shaikh Mohammad welcomed Patil's visit stressing that it was an important element in strengthening the relationship between the UAE and India to achieve their mutual interests.

Patil praised the high standard of infrastructure in the UAE and the advances the country has made in various sectors.

Patil was accompanied by her delegation including energy minister Bharat Singh Solanki, Latha Reddy, secretary (east), in India's Ministry of External Affairs, M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to the UAE and other senior officials.

"Shaikh Mohammad began by welcoming her to the UAE and stressed the importance of her visit in strengthening the ties between the two countries. He recalled his visit to India in 1974 and in March earlier this year," said Sanjay Verma, the Indian Consul General, who was also present at the meeting.

Patil lauded Shaikh Mohammad's vision in developing Dubai to the city it is today, Verma said. Patil also praised the level of advances attained in the UAE in different fields.

The leaders spoke of the longstanding traditional relationship between UAE and India.

Patil mentioned that there are enormous areas where cooperation could be reached such as education infrastructure and energy sector.

The leaders discussed in brief about the scope of India and the GCC countries investing in joint ventures in third countries. They talked about empowerment of women - goals achieved and how both the countries are trying to take it higher.

She thanked Shaikh Mohammad for the UAE's support for India's recent election to the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council and for the support in India's bid for permanent membership on an expanded UN Security Council.

President Patil's visit assumes importance considering that in 2009-10, bilateral trade stood at $43 billion, making the UAE and India the largest trading partners.

Addressing the Indian community at the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi on Monday, President Patil observed that the UAE is transforming into a knowledge-based economy. This will open up employment avenues for Indians in sectors such as IT, finance and insurance, she said.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Mohammad attended the graduation ceremony of the 35th batch of cadet officers of Zayed II Military College in Al Ain.

He later visited and offered his condolences to the family of Majid Ahmad Al Shamlan in Khor Fakkan. Majid died on Monday after his Hawk military trainer aircraft crashed in Ras Al Khaimah.

Shaikh Mohammad said the pilot was a national and armed forces martyr.

With additional inputs from Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter

WAM

Photo:The talks, which took place at Shaikh Mohammad's Court, touched upon bilateral relations between the UAE and India, and the best ways to enhance them on trade, economics, investment and cultural levels.

Image Credit: WAM