Sheikh Khalifa, President of India hold talks

Abu Dhabi : President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of the Republic of India Pratibha Patil held talks today afternoon here at Mushrif Palace.

Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the Indian President and her entourage in her first state visit to the UAE, adding that the visit reflects 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 two peoples".

The UAE President stressed the role of India in achieving peace and security in the Indian Ocean and East Asia zone, highlighting the India's contribution to realisation of the security at international arena.

Sheikh Khalifa hailed essential contribution of the Indian community to the UAE development projects.

The talks tackled the cooperation ties between the UAE and India in the areas of politics, economy, culture, science, in addition to exchanging of views on a number of current 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 of peace, security and stability worldwide.

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

On her part, President Patil expressed her pleasure about visiting the UAE and meeting the UAE President, hailing the historic relations linking the UAE with India. She cited the level of care dispensed by the UAE to the Indian labour. "We do appreciate the UAE under leadership of Sheikh Khalifa for hospitality felt by the Indian workforce in the country".

The President of India commended the stances of the UAE in bolstering international security and peace, and its role in providing humanitarian aid to the developing countries.

The UAE Monday came out in strong support of India's quest for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council, with President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan telling his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil that this was New Delhi's "right".

"His Highness (the UAE President) stated that UAE would certainly support India, which had the right to be a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council," Secretary (East) Latha Reddy told reporters after the "warm and friendly" talks between the two leaders, reflecting the close ties between the countries.

At the conclusion of talks both sides reiterated the importance of sustaining current cooperation between the UAE and India. They emphasised the visit would further enhance mutual interests.

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

President compliments Indian expatriate community in UAE

On her first visit to the Gulf region, India's President Pratibha Patil Monday paid rich compliments to the Indian expatriates for their hard work, telling them that their remittances have helped their country prosper.

"Your sustained remittances over the years have contributed to the foreign exchange reserves of India. I would also like to mention that India is the biggest recipient of remittances by expatriates.... We are proud of your achievements," she said at a function of the India Social and Cultural Centre here.

Patil said the global Indian diaspora, spread across several continents has made India proud by their contribution to the country of residence and to their motherland India.

Noting that the Indian community in UAE is estimated to be around 1.75 million-strong, making it the largest expatriate community in this country, she said that its presence was in almost all spheres of economic activity.

Referring to the challenges and aspirations of the expatriate Indian community, she said that Government of India and the UAE Government are engaged in continuous dialogue on matters concerning the Indian labour.

"I am happy that during my visit, I will be launching the Indian Workers Resources Centre, to provide a 24-hour helpline and counseling services for Indian workers in the UAE. This will be an important step to take the grievance redressal mechanism to the doorsteps of the large number of Indians, who are in distress and in need of urgent assistance," she said.

The President is in the UAE on her first official visit to this country.

Source : WAM, PTI

November 22, 2010