Mohamed bin Zayed visit adds new dimension

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces visited New Delhi, India, as the chief guest for the country s 68th "Republic Day" celebrations.

The visit is considered to be a new development in relations between the UAE and India, following the formation of a new comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in all areas, which will strengthen their common interests and their regional and global standings.

This comprehensive strategic partnership is based on the principles of sovereignty, equality, regional security for both countries, non interference in the internal affairs of either country, as well as mutual respect and mutual benefit.

The visit saw signing of key agreements and MoUs, ranging from defence, maritime, land transport and cooperation on prevention and combating of human trafficking to diplomacy, media and energy.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described the agreement as "historic".

"Undoubtedly," he said in a speech during the signing ceremony. "We are witnessing a historic moment with the signing of the "Strategic Partnership Agreement" and a host of other agreements. Together, these accords open up new horizons for cooperation and mutual work between our two governments and peoples, and are indeed a breakthrough in the history of our relationship."

He added, "Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE considers promoting our bilateral relations to a strategic level as a major gain that serves to benefit our two nations."

In addition to the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement, the following MoU's and agreements were also signed and exchanged by officials from the two governments during the visit: MoU between the UAE government and that of India on institutional cooperation on maritime transport.

MoU between the Federal Transport Authority and the Indian Directorate General of Shipping on mutual recognition of certificates of competency as per the provision of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping Convention (STCW78).

MoU between the Federal Transport Authority and India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on bilateral cooperation in the road and highways sector.

MoU between the UAE and Indian governments on cooperation in prevention and combating of human trafficking.

MoU between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare on agriculture and allied sector.

MoU between the UAE and Indian governments on mutual exemption of entry visa requirements to the holders of diplomatic, special and official passports.

MoU between the Ministry of Economy and India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry on trade remedial measures to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

MoU between the Ministry of Economy and India's Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoSMSME) in the field of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and innovation.

MoU between Emirates News Agency (WAM) and India's Prasar Bharati on cooperation in programme exchange.

Agreement on oil storage and management between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited.

MoU was also signed on the sidelines of the His Highness's visit between Al Etihad Energy Services LLC and National Productivity Council on energy efficiency services.