UAE second home to Malayalees: Kerala CM

Sharjah - Vijayan was speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 'Come On Kerala' cultural and economic event.

The UAE is every Malayali's second home, said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 
He added: "When Kerala was in dire need of help during the floods, the UAE led the way to help ease our suffering. They were the first to come forward and extend a helping hand, and we will never forget the favour."
Vijayan was speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 'Come On Kerala' cultural and economic event hosted by Gulf Madhyamam on Thursday.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Come On Kerala looks to strengthen ties between India and the Gulf countries. Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Seaports and Customs was also present during the ceremony.

Viajayan said: "The UAE has a special place in the hearts of all Malayalees. During our time of need, the UAE helped Kerala like it was their own land." He spoke at length about the rehabilitation efforts in Kerala after the torrential floods that took place in August 2018.
Social workers, businessmen, UAE members of the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS), leaders of various social and economic organisations with roots in Kerala took a pledge at the opening ceremony to take Kerala forward in the spirit of peace and prosperity.
Addressing the chief minister, Consul-General of India to Dubai Vipul said: "On behalf of all the people in India and Kerala here in the UAE, I would like to welcome you. This is your second visit in the last few months. India -UAE relations have been doing very well. However, one-third of the Indian population in the UAE is from Kerala. So, your visit here is very significant."
MA Yusuf Ali, chairman and managing director of Lulu Group International, said:
"The vision is not just to rebuild Kerala, but it is to build a new smart, technologically advanced Kerala."
He also requested the leaders to pay heed to the sufferings of Kerala expatriates and called for curbing the culture of strikes in Kerala, since it hindered the lives of expatriates as well.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah