Dubai: The UAE honoured Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious ‘Zayed Medal’ for playing a ‘pivotal role’ in giving a ‘big boost’ to the bilateral strategic ties.
The President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the Prime Minister with the award, the highest decoration awarded to kings, presidents and heads of states.
“We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal,” Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed Bin Zayed tweeted.
The Crown Prince, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said Modi played a key role in enhancing bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic relations.
“By granting our dear friend the Indian Prime Minister the Zayed Medal, we express our appreciation for his role and efforts in developing friendly relations and extending bridges of cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of India in various fields,” Bin Zayed further said.
The award comes in appreciation of Modi’s role in consolidating the long-standing friendship and joint strategic cooperation between the two countries, the ‘Khaleej Times’ reported.
“I am extremely happy to welcome the announcement of Order of Zayed for a great son of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi by His Highness Mohamed Bin Zayed,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted.
Modi visited the UAE for the second time as Prime Minister in February last year and held wide-ranging talks with the Crown Prince. After their talks, the two sides signed five agreements related to energy sector, railways, manpower and financial services. The Prime Minister’s first visit to the UAE took place in August 2015.
PTI