Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday received Indian President Pratibha Patil at Al Mushrif Palace.
Shaikh Khalifa welcomed Patil and her accompanying delegation, and said that the visit signifies the depth of friendly and cooperative relations between both countries and their historical background.
Shaikh Khalifa affirmed that this visit would broaden prospects of cooperation, which would in turn benefit both countries.
Indian President Pratibha Patil arrives in Abu Dhabi
The meeting's discussions covered various areas such as politics, science, culture and economy and included an exchange of opinions on current, regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Both Shaikh Khalifa and Patil stressed the importance of regional and global cooperation in resolving international issues and enhancing peace and security to achieve prosperity and stability at the international level.
Global goals
In this regard, Shaikh Khalifa affirmed the important role played by India in accomplishing security and stability in the Indian Ocean and Eastern Asia region, as well as its serious contribution to achieving security on the global level.
Shaikh Khalifa and Patil expressed their satisfaction with the constant growth experienced by their relations. Shaikh Khalifa praised the continuing role played by the Indian community in the UAE's development projects.
Patil hailed the historic bilateral relations between both nations, and highlighted the care provided by the UAE to Indian expatriates.
"We appreciate and thank the UAE, under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa, for the hospitality it provides for Indian workers on its land," said President Patil.
She also hailed the UAE's stance and its positive contribution to enhancing peace and security through its humanitarian support for developing countries.
At the end of the discussions, both presidents affirmed the importance of the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and India. They also said that this visit would contribute to further progress and prosperity in various fields, while bolstering mutual benefits.
Shaikh Khalifa also hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Indian President and her accompanying delegation.
Present during the meeting were Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President's Representative, and other shaikhs and senior officials.
