Press Release

Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of UAE to India

12/06/2009

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE was on an official visit to India on 11 & 12 June 2009. During the visit, he had detailed discussions with Minister of External Affairs Shri S.M. Krishna on bilateral relations, regional and multilateral issues and on new avenues of cooperation, especially in the domain of trade and economy. The UAE Foreign Minister also met the Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah after which he made a courtesy call on Hon’ble Vice President.

During the discussions, both sides underscored the excellent and wide ranging special bilateral relationship. The presence of over 1.5 million Indians in the UAE, contributing to the development of the two economies, was acknowledged as having further strengthened our ties. The visiting dignitary also conveyed that UAE was looking for more opportunities for investment in the infrastructure and other areas in India. Presently UAE has invested over US$ 4.5 billion in India through FDI and FII routes and is among the top ten investors. During the discussions both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in energy sector especially in the renewable sources of energy.

The visiting dignitary reiterated the invitation to Hon’ble Vice President to pay a visit to UAE on mutually convenient dates later in the year. He has also extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister to visit UAE. The invitations were gratefully accepted.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the first Foreign Minister to visit India after the formation of new Government.

New Delhi
June 12, 2009