UAE President holds official reception for Indian PM

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties during talks held at Qasr Al Watan on Saturday afternoon.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, the UAE President said the leaders "discussed the ongoing progress of our bilateral ties, (and) our shared interest in promoting sustainable global growth".

I had the pleasure of welcoming Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi to Abu Dhabi today. We discussed the ongoing progress of our bilateral ties, our shared interest in promoting sustainable global growth, and ways to further boost collaboration between our countries & our people. pic.twitter.com/J7bqEW76HA

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 15, 2023

The Indian leader also took to his official Twitter handle to praise Sheikh Mohamed's "energy and vision for development" as "admirable".

"We discussed the full range of India-UAE ties including ways to boost cultural and economic ties," he added.

It is always gladdening to meet HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His energy and vision for development are admirable. We discussed the full range of India-UAE ties including ways to boost cultural and economic ties. @MohamedBinZayed pic.twitter.com/XCBWW8cP38

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 15, 2023

Upon arrival at Qasr Al Watan, the Indian leader's motorcade was met by a group of Emirati children waving the flags of both countries.

Sheikh Mohamed accompanied him during an official reception ceremony that included a guard of honour welcome, a 21-gun salute, and a performance of the national anthems of India and the UAE.

Modi, who is on an official visit to the UAE, was welcomed at the airport by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During their talks, they highlighted the historical ties shared between the two countries and praised the level of cooperation across multiple vital sectors.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Modi discussed the COP28 climate conference to be hosted by the UAE later this year. His Highness noted that given its influential role within the international community, India’s active participation at COP28 was eagerly anticipated, and the UAE was looking forward to exploring ways to expand upon the two countries’ constructive cooperation in the field of climate action.

The UAE-India partnership is a driver for economic growth that creates trade and investment opportunities for over 3.8 billion people. The economic partnership contributes to the vitality of trade and investment flows in South Asia and through it towards regional and global markets.

India’s Foreign Secretary, Vinay Kwatra, said they have witnessed a "significant jump, a qualitative enhancement in the substance of our engagement across the whole range of areas since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) last year.

"The partnership has continued to grow from strength to strength. This is particularly reflected in the strong economic exchanges, both on the trade side but also on the investment side."

He also announced that the UAE is a special invitee during the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit in New Delhi in September under Indian Presidency.

"India and UAE are also cooperating very closely on the COP28, which will be held in UAE in November-December," his statement said.

UAE and India: A strategic partnership serving 3.8 billion people.#WamInfographic https://t.co/K9ELu14aC1 pic.twitter.com/ydAEVYxhdJ

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 15, 2023