New Delhi: Ahead of his landmark visit to the UAE on Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement detailing his programme. The statement is as follows:
“On 16th August, I begin my visit to the UAE. This will be the first prime ministerial visit in 34 years. UAE is a valued partner and the extent of our ties indicate the vibrant relations India and UAE enjoy. India is UAE’s second-largest trading partner and UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner. There are over 2.5 million Indians who have made UAE their home. They have contributed immensely to the progress of UAE and also given back to India on every occasion. India and UAE are fantastically connected be it via air or through the sea.
“The economic strides taken by UAE are extremely admirable. UAE is a global economic success story that has attracted people from all over the world. UAE has also emerged as an important logistics hub. UAE and India’s strong partnership goes back several years. Both are multicultural societies that respect and celebrate plurality and diversity.
“During my visit, I seek to enhance cooperation in energy, trade and will talk to investors about why India is an attractive destination to invest. I am certain my visit will boost people-to-people ties between our nations.
“I especially look forward to meeting the large community of Indian workers based in the UAE. No words will be enough to appreciate their hard work over the years.
“I will hold extensive talks with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, whose enlightened vision and farsightedness has taken UAE to new heights of development.
“I will also meet His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“One of the places that I will visit is Masdar City, a zero carbon city, which is an effort towards creating a cleaner and greener tomorrow.”
