Indian PM Modi reaches UAE, meets President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb13) landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)to begin his two-day visit to the country post which he will head to Qatar. PM Modi has visited the UAE seventh time since 2015 and for the third time in the last eight months. On his arrival in Abu Dhabi, PM Modi called on UAE PresidentSheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with the UAE president. The meet is likely to strengthen ties between the two countries.
PM Modi will also meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Ai Maktoum who is UAE's vice president, prime minister and defence minister.
One of the main highlights of PM Modi's Abu Dhabi visit is the inauguration of a Hindu temple in the Gulf nation. During his bilateral meet with the president, PM Modi thanked him for his support forthe temple.
"The construction of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) temple here would not have been possible without your support," Modi told the UAE President during a bilateral meeting, according to ANI.
PM Modi will inaugurate the temple on Wednesday.
The bilateral meet between the two leaders saw the exchange of a number of agreements. UPI and RuPay cards, both Indian concepts, were launched in the UAE.
Watch | PM Modi UAE Visit: Indian PM Modi to inaugurate temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14
Prime Minister Modi is due to participate in World Government Summit 2024 where he will deliver a special keynote speech.
'Comprehensive strategic partnership'
In his statement before departure from New Delhi, PM Modi said he is looking forward to further advancing India's comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE.
"Over the last nine years, our cooperation with UAE in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence and security, food and energy security and education has grown manifold. Our cultural and people-to-people connect is stronger than ever," he said.
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In the latter half of February 14, PM Modi will be in Qatar. The announcement of PM Modi's visit to Qatar was made on Monday just hoursafter seven out of eight jailedIndian sailorsreturned home almost three-and-half months after having been handed death sentence by aQatari court. The sentencewas subsequently commuted to jail terms ranging from three to 25 years.
"India and Qatar enjoy historically close and friendly relations," Modi said before embarking on the tour
"In recent years, our multi-faceted ties have continued to deepen in all spheres, including high-level political exchanges, growing trade and investment between two countries, strengthening of our energy partnership, and cooperation in culture and education," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)