Kerala: The UAE and India are looking to take to the next level their deep-rooted historical ties based on mutual respect, common interests and fruitful cooperation to achieve development and prosperity for both nations.
A media delegation arrived in Kerala on Saturday ahead of a visit by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on February 10.
Kerala is one of the most important destinations on the trade route between the UAE and India — which both have strong economic and cultural ties. The Indian workforce has played a significant role in various economic fields in the UAE.
UAE-India relations date back to a long period before oil was discovered in the GCC region but have grown further during the past few decades thanks to greater political understanding and common economic interests. Credit for the close ties also goes to the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who devoted great attention to India and laid a strong foundation for bilateral relations to grow further. This was clearly manifested in the historic visit by Shaikh Zayed to India in 1975 during which he met India’s then prime minister Indira Gandhi.
The Indian community in the UAE has contributed significantly to the comprehensive development in the country.
The UAE has always sought to provide a safe and conducive environment for Indian expatriates who enabled it to achieve successes and fulfil ambitions in various domains.
The state of Kerala was a favourite destination of the Arabs, Romans and Chinese for commercial purposes, specifically for trade in spices, wood and ivory. Kerala’s people have always held Shaikh Zayed in high regard for his generosity and exceptional statesmanship.
Dr Hussain Al Thaqafi, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University in Kerala, said the UAE and its people have played a great role in the implementation of a number of humanitarian and development projects in the fields of education, health care and infrastructure.
He paid tributes to UAE charities and philanthropists, including the Emirates Red Crescent, for carrying out many projects for orphans and students, in addition to the construction of mosques, water wells, schools and health-care centres.
