Sultan bin Zayed: Relations between India and UAE are rooted in history

Relations between India and the Arab lands are rooted deep in history and the bonds of friendship between UAE and India has a long past, said HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Opening a seminar on 'Arab-India relations through the ages in history, art and culture', in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Sheikh Sultan said that the relations that started several centuries ago are thriving until today. The trade ties between India and the UAE continues to be a model for cooperation, understanding and respect for mutual interests, Sheikh Sultan noted. The seminar is organised jointly by Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cultural and Media Centre and the Indian Embassy at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi. "You may recall that the Indian rupee has been used in the UAE for a long time as a result of trade relations between the two countries. India was a market for UAE's exports, mostly natural pearls while the UAE opened viable market for imports from India leading to a full harmonisation of relations between the two peoples", Sheikh Sultan said. He asserted that the seminar emphasises the depth of relations and links between India and the Arab countries and shines light on the fact that the two peoples lived a common past and jointly struggled for peace for long. The two countries are able to continue this role and look forward together to seeing a better tomorrow for them and for the rest of the world. A future that is built on the foundations of peace and tolerance, respecting the cultures, customs and traditions and common basis, Sheikh Sultan stressed. Director General of Sultan Bin Zayed Cultural and Media Centre Habib Al Sayegh welcomed the audience to the seminar, in which a number of historians and experts will deliver lectures. - Emirates News Agency, WAM