The United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, chaired the 14th UAE-India Joint Committee, which took place on Thursday at his ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, led his nation’s delegation to the meeting.
Sheikh Abdullah stated that he would like to start by extending a warm welcome to each of the delegates.
He asserted, “It is wonderful to witness so many familiar faces in the room. I hope that the United Arab Emirates by now feels like a second home.”
He added that he was delighted to be in the UAE to see the convening of the 14th UAE-India Joint Committee.
He started by emphasising his gratitude for the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi.
He said that India had benefitted greatly from the wise guidance and stewardship of the UAE as their strategic relations broadened and deepened.
Sheikh Abdullah stated that the dialogue between both nations produced success in a wide range of areas, most particularly the launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017, as well as the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or Cepa, this year.
He added that India ranks as the top expert partner to the Emirates in terms of imports as well as first in luring foreign direct investments from the UAE.
Sheikh Abdullah stated that the UAE was the second largest place and source for exports and imports from India, with a robust and growing position as an FDI source for the country.
Sheikh Abdullah stated that the successful partnership within the Indian Ocean Rim Association, as well as the cooperation between both the countries with the I2U2 group, were proof of the opportunities the UAE and India had in international organisations and institutions.
