Post by : Maya Rahman

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, engaged with Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, in a recent official discussion focused on deepening the relationship between the UAE and the Indian state of Kerala. This meeting highlighted the enduring friendship and mutual respect between the two parties.

The dialogue centered on exploring avenues for bolstering cooperation in critical sectors that resonate with their nations' strategic growth and sustainable development objectives. Areas of focus included enhancing economic, investment, trade, and developmental connections, building on the robust partnership shared by the UAE and India over the years.

Sheikh Khaled praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, underlining the commitment to nurturing strong relations with India, particularly with Kerala—home to a significant portion of the Indian expatriate community in the UAE.

The conversation unveiled potential collaborative initiatives in infrastructure, energy, healthcare, innovation, and tourism. Both leaders emphasized the significance of sustainable development and technological advancement as key drivers of future cooperation.

They also deliberated on fresh frameworks for business collaboration aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises, enhancing investment opportunities, and fostering knowledge transfer between Abu Dhabi and Kerala.

The leaders reiterated their shared vision for inclusive economic expansion, emphasizing the importance of long-lasting partnerships that serve both communities. Sheikh Khaled pointed out that Abu Dhabi’s initiatives on diversification and sustainable innovation align perfectly with Kerala’s goals for digital evolution, renewable energy, and infrastructure enhancement.

Chief Minister Vijayan expressed gratitude for the UAE's initiatives to strengthen ties with Kerala, citing it as a global benchmark for progress and inclusivity. He also acknowledged the UAE's leadership for creating a conducive atmosphere for millions of Keralites working across the nation.

Senior officials from Abu Dhabi who accompanied Sheikh Khaled during this meeting included:

• Ahmed Jasem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development;

• Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince;

• Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office and Advisor on Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court.

The presence of these officials underscored the UAE’s dedication to advancing institutional and strategic collaboration, bolstering ongoing projects and joint endeavors with India.

This meeting builds upon the rich partnership between the UAE and India, which has seen significant growth in trade, energy, and cultural interchange. Notably, India stands as one of the UAE’s principal trading partners, while the UAE remains a crucial hub for Indian investments and innovation in the Middle East.

The social and economic connection is underscored by the presence of over 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE, many of whom hail from Kerala, reinforcing mutual understanding and cooperation.

Both parties expressed optimism that their discussions would yield new avenues for economic collaboration, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Sheikh Khaled reiterated Abu Dhabi’s openness to identifying additional partnership opportunities with Kerala to support shared developmental and innovative aspirations.

Chief Minister Vijayan remarked that this engagement would pave the way for fresh investments, job creation, and technological exchanges, thus fostering growth and welfare for Kerala’s citizens abroad.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration across all sectors, marking a pivotal advancement in the UAE’s diplomatic and economic relationship with India’s states. This reflects the broader vision of UAE leadership to enhance global collaborations grounded in mutual respect and shared prosperity.

#Political News