A momentous occasion in ties between the two nations
JOINT STATEMENT AT THE END OF MOHAMMAD BIN ZAYED’S VISIT HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF FREQUENT HIGH-LEVEL VISITS IN CEMENTING BONDS Highlights of the joint statement
The state visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India as the chief guest of India’s 68th Republic Day celebrations marked a momentous occasion in relations between the two countries, said a Joint Statement at the conclusion of Shaikh Mohammad’s visit.
The statement said the strong bonds of friendship between UAE and India have found clear expression in the series of highlevel bilateral visits between the two countries in the past two years, noting that the visit afforded a timely opportunity to both to further build upon their close and regular consultations which began in August 2015.
This was the second state visit by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed to India since February 2016.
The two sides reaffirmed their deep commitment to building a comprehensive strategic partnership, as agreed upon during the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in August 2015 and welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.
The two leaders agreed to support each other’s candidatures and campaigns at the United Nations.
Prime Minister Modi thanked the UAE Armed Forces for their participation in the Republic Day Parade, and expressed admiration for the tireless efforts of the UAE Armed Forces in promoting regional security, peace and stability.
In order to develop a medium and long-term strategy for increasing bilateral trade by 60 per cent over the next five years, as agreed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015, the two sides decided to conduct required studies to come up with action plans by June 2017.
Shaikh Mohammad thanked President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the people of India for the distinguished honour extended to him as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He also expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and kind hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He invited the President and the Prime Minister of India to visit the UAE at a mutually convenient time.
REGIONAL SECURITY AND COUNTERING INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
The two leaders acknowledged the common threat posed by terrorism to peace and security. and reiterated their strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Expressing serious concerns at the misuse of cyber space as a medium to promote subversive and extremist ideologies, the two leaders acknowledged the importance of the MoU on Technical Cooperation in Cyber Space and Combating Cyber Crime, signed during the February 2016 visit of Shaikh Mohammad, as the cornerstone of the expanding bilateral cooperation in this area.
EXPO 2020
Shaikh Mohammad encouraged Indian participation and partnership in Expo 2020 Dubai and also presented to Prime Minister Modi an overview of the UAE’s upcoming developmental priorities. The Indian side conveyed the interest of Indian companies to be partners in the infrastructure projects being undertaken by the UAE in preparation for the Dubai Expo, as well as in UAE’s development plans.
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Keeping in view the importance of energy security as a key aspect of the strategic partnership, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the current level of energy sector cooperation, acknowledging the UAE as being among the largest suppliers of crude oil to India.
HEALTH AND FOOD SECURITY
Both sides agreed to pursue opportunities in the health care industry, including the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors, and resolved to urge their private sectors to explore early participation in these areas.
Prime Minister Modi and Shaikh Mohammad agreed that ensuring food security remains an area of high priority for the two sides.
The Indian side welcomed the proposal from the UAE side for establishing food security parks, including through the creation of high quality food processing infrastructure, integrated cold chain, value addition and preserving technology, packaging of food products and marketing.
PEOPLE AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
The two leaders underlined the shared values of respect for diversity, plurality and multiculturalism cherished by the two countries which are exemplified by the vibrant linkages between their peoples. They described these connections as a unique asset for both countries.
The two sides agreed to hold the next Meeting of India-UAE Joint Committee on Manpower Issues in the first half of 2017, and to work towards early conclusion of a revised MoU on labour and manpower.
CIVIL AVIATION, TOURISM, CULTURE AND PRESS
The two leaders underlined the fact that over 1,050 flights are doing service per week between India and UAE is indicative of the vibrant people-to -people linkages.
Recognising the need to further expand and develop cooperation in the civil aviation sector, the two sides agreed to convene consultations between their respective civil aviation authorities in the first half of 2017 to discuss key areas of mutual interest.
Shaikh Mohammad welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s proposal to develop cruise tourism between the two countries.
They agreed to continue to promote cooperation in the media, radio, film and television sectors.
INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
The two leaders noted that the UAE and India share a range of common interests and positions on bilateral, regional and international issues, and must continue to strengthen their cooperation through a range of international fora.
In particular, both leaders highlighted a strong desire to continue their cooperation in the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and other important regional bodies.
In order to develop a medium and longterm strategy for increasing bilateral trade by 60 per cent over the next five years, as agreed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015, the two sides decided to conduct required studies to come up with action plans by June 2017.