Sheikh Khalifa welcomed Patil and her entourage on her first state visit to the country, adding that the visit reflects the depth of cooperation, friendship and historic links between the UAE and India.

"The visit will open more avenues for cooperation between the two countries in the best interest of the two peoples."

During the meeting, the two sides underscored the significance of regional and international cooperation regarding resolution of international issues and boosting of peace, security and stability worldwide. Furthermore, both leaders reiterated the importance of sustaining current cooperation between the UAE and India.

Sheikh Khalifa stressed the role of India in achieving peace and security in the Indian Ocean and East Asia reagion, highlighting the India's contribution to realization of the security at international arena. Sheikh Khalifa hailed essential contribution of the Indian community to the UAE development projects.

Prathiba Patil expressed her pleasure and cited the level of care dispensed by the UAE to the Indian labor. "We do appreciate the UAE under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa for hospitality felt by the Indian workforce in the country."

Meanwhile, sources at Indian mission in the UAE said UAE and India are discussing a possible visit by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The planned event will be the first visit to the UAE of an Indian premier after 29 years.

Patil's visit is also expected to boost trade and business links between the two countries, which currently stands at $43 billion.

Patil would be inaugurating the Indian Workers' Resource Center (IWRC) in Dubai designed to provide a 24-hour helpline and counseling services to distressed workers. Her program also includes interactions with other sections of the Indian community, whose profile has been changing over the years — the number of white collar workers has been steadily increasing. She will also meet children at different schools in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and will visit Sharjah also.

Patil arrived on Sunday evening in Abu Dhabi and was received by the UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al-Qasimi, UAE's ambassador to India Mohammed Sultan Abdullah Al-Owais and Indian Ambassador M.K. Lokesh.

Patil heads to Syria on Friday and this will be the first presidential visit to that country from India. She will hold delegation-level talks with President Bashar Assad in Damscus.

— With input from agencies