M A I N   N E W S

Security cooperation the key agenda 
Geetanjali Gayatri in ABU DHABI
Tribune news service

November 22
Security was the buzzword on the first day of talks between President Pratibha Patil and the UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, even as the host country re-iterated its support to India’s claim for a permanent seat of the ‘reformed’ UN Security Council. The President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Musharif Palace by Al Nahyan.

The Heads of State discussed the possibility of enhanced cooperation in ood security, energy security as also regional security.

Home Minister P Chidambram is learnt to have extended an invitation to his UAE counterpart for the signing of an agreement on security.

The two leaders sought to deepen ties by collaborating in security, an area of vital importance to both the countries. Patil invited investment from the UAE in the food sector particularly food processing. The two leaders sought a strategic relationship in education and science and technology. A discussion on this was particularly well-received by the UAE president.

The leaders agreed that specific proposals in this regard should be taken up in detail in Abu Dhabi by the Joint Commission. Satisfied with the growing bilateral trade between India and the UAE, which crossed $43 billion last fiscal, a desire was expresses to take the relationship to a new level by strengthening energy security ties and inviting participation in upstream and downstream activities in the petroleum sector. Among other sectors, the UAE was invited to invest in infrastructure, particularly railways. A proposal related to the reduction of high-cost of setting up desalination plants was also discussed.

Patil’s suggestion that this could be a subject of joint research between the two countries was welcomed. It was resolved that issues pertaining to the Indian community in the UAE would continue to be discussed mutually.