First Indo-UAE strategic dialogue meeting held

The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash and Indian Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar.

The UAE and India have held the first meeting of their strategic dialogue as the two nations work together to finalise a cooperation agreement.
"Pursuant to the decision to elevate their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the exchange of visits at the highest level between India and United Arab Emirates in August 2015 and February 2016, the two sides held the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the two Foreign Offices on January 20 in New Delhi," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The ministry was referring to the visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India last year and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE the year before.
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash and Indian Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar.
"Setting the stage for an important visit. First India UAE Strategic Dialogue takes place in Delhi before the visit of Crown Prince next week," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on his official handle.
During the meeting, the two-sides were represented by large delegations from a number of ministries and departments from both countries.
Apart from "providing a timely opportunity to prepare" for the upcoming visit of Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed as Chief Guest for Republic Day, the two sides also agreed on a number of new initiatives and on "signing the fresh instruments of cooperation."
Among the topics discussed at the meeting were trade and investments, energy security and renewable energy, defence and security, electronics and information technology and space, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Last week, India's cabinet approved the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the UAE, which cover bilateral cooperation in the areas of road transport, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and agriculture, as well as cooperation in maritime transport and training.
MoU's that will be signed
> Infrastructure: MoU between India's Road Transport and Highways Ministry and the UAE's Federal Transport Authority Land and Maritime envisages increased cooperation, exchange and collaboration between India and the UAE, and will contribute to increased investment in infrastructure development and enhance logistics efficiency.
> Maritime transport: MoU on institutional cooperation in maritime transport is designed to pave the way for facilitation and promotion of maritime transport, simplification of customs and other formalities, waste disposal, and will enable shipping companies in both countries into bilateral and multi-lateral arrangements for sustainable trading activities.
> Maritime training: Mutual recognition of certificates of competency in the maritime training domain will pave the way for the recognition of education and training, certificates of competency, endorsements, and medical certificates used by seaferers issued by each country's government.
> Agriculture: MoU on agriculture and related sectors will promote understanding of best agricultural practices and improve farm productivity and access to global markets, as well as improve cooperation regarding agricultural technology and modern techniques, which will ultimately strengthen food security.
> SMEs and innovation: MoU on SMEs and innovation will benefit Indian SMEs and lead to equitables and inclusive development, as well as provide SMEs in both India and the UAE and opportunity to establish beneficial relations with each other and explore markets.

• UAE
• India