Mumbai plans grand reception for CP

Abu Dhabi - UAE's relations with India are direct, commercial, and strategic, says Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will visit Mumbai, the financial capital of India, as part of his first official visit to India.
Unveiling the details of Mohammed bin Zayed's three-day visit, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Sunday said that a high-level delegation of UAE ministers, government officials and businessmen representing different sectors of the economy will accompany the Crown Prince.
Replying to a question posed by Khaleej Times in a media briefing at the headquarters of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Gargash said that the Indian business community will host a grand reception for the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in the financial capital of India.
The visit is designed to build on the outcomes of Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UAE last August by advancing and strengthening trade, political and security cooperation.
Dr Gragash said that the UAE hopes to see areas of further cooperation across a variety of sectors, including energy, aviation, technology, infrastructure and SMEs.
"This visit is part of the UAE's efforts to build relationships across Asia, strengthen its role as a gateway into the Middle East and serve as the bridge between the economic poles of the East and the West. These have formed the basis of our relationships for more than four decades, and will continue to be the foundation of our engagement with other nations."
Dr Gargash added: "The close friendship between the UAE and India is built on common goals, values and a sense of shared history - one that goes as far back as ancient pearling routes.
The UAE sees this visit as an opportunity to enhance its economic relationship even further, with a number of agreements due to be announced in sectors of importance to both countries."
The UAE's confidence in India's economic development is reinforced by the many initiatives and reforms established by the Modi government, which have helped pave the way for the country's future growth.
"Of course, the relationship between the UAE and India extends beyond economic and political cooperation, built on the back of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. The Indian community living and working in the UAE represents the Emirates' largest expatriate group and plays a key role throughout the fabric of our society."
Dr. Gargash said that the UAE wishes to continue to harness these bonds in order to further expand societal and cultural exchange between the two countries. In doing so, the UAE hopes that the bonds of trust, understanding and respect will continue to flourish into the future.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE