President hails ‘power of building bridges’ at India summit
President Sheikh Mohamed yesterday told a global business forum in the western Indian state of Gujarat that the UAE supports co-operation to promote economic growth and development.
Sheikh Mohamed was attending the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as part of a visit to India that began on Tuesday.
“Today I participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in India, alongside leaders and officials from around the world,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
“The UAE firmly believes in the power of building bridges of co-operation to promote economic growth and fostering international collaboration to address global challenges and help achieve stability and prosperity for all.”
It was announced that Global ports operator DP World has entered into several preliminary agreements valued at 250 billion rupees ($3 billion) with Gujarat.
Dubai-based DP World will develop ports in south Gujarat and around the western coast of the state. It will also develop economic zones, cargo terminals and freight stations.
Sheikh Mohamed noted that the summit – founded by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003, when he was chief minister of Gujarat – has become an important international forum for the exchange of expertise in economic growth and investment.
“It is a pleasure to join our friends from India and across the globe at this summit, embarking on a collaborative journey to discover pathways to prosperity and progress for our peoples and nations,” the President said in a report by state news agency Wam.
Sheikh Mohamed was met at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Tuesday by Mr Modi, before the leaders held talks.
“My brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed has not only graced the Vibrant Gujarat Summit but also spoke at the summit,” Mr Modi said.
“His remarks were extremely encouraging. India cherishes his thoughts and his efforts to boost India-UAE ties.”
India and the UAE signed agreements in renewables, food processing and health care.