‘Sheikh Khalifa Was A Visionary World Leader And A True Friend Of India’: Vp

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, arrived today in Abu Dhabi to convey his condolences on behalf of the nation on the sad demise of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, two days ago.

Meeting with the newly elected President of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other royal family members and Emirati dignitaries at the Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, Shri Naidu recalled the contributions of the late President and said that “Sheikh Khalifa was a great world leader and a true friend of India”.

Paying rich tributes to the late President, Shri Naidu observed how Sheikh Khalifa showed visionary leadership for the development of the UAE building on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and greatly strengthening the India-UAE partnership. He took exceptional care of the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE. He said that his sad demise is an irreparable loss for the Indian community in the UAE.

At the meeting, the Vice President also conveyed his best wishes to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on being elected as the President of the UAE. Recalling his visits to India and the recent historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and UAE in February 2022, Shri Naidu praised H.H Sheikh Mohammed’s dynamic approach and leadership. He expressed confidence that India-UAE strategic partnership will continue to progress and reach new heights under the new President’s leadership and guidance.