Sheikh Mohammed described Patil's visit as a significant addition to efforts to further strengthen UAE-Indian relations and common interests.
One important area they discussed was bilateral security cooperation. Sheikh Mohammed mentioned that India and UAE already had very good cooperation in this area. Patil reiterated that the agreement on security cooperation between the two countries should be signed early as this would help both countries to concentrate further on counter-terrorism and maritime security.
The Indian president spoke about the opportunities for cooperation between India and UAE especially in education, Infrastructure, particularly roads and the energy sector. She also mentioned the scope for Indian public sector companies participating in projects in the UAE as well as public-private partnership opportunities during her meeting with Sheikh Mohammed.
Patil thanked the UAE for their support for India’s election to the non-permanent seat in the UNSC. Sheikh Mohammed reiterated that UAE also supports India’s candidature for a permanent seat on an expanded UNSC.
Agriculture and food security were also discussed, including cooperation in areas like dry land farming and desalination. Patil shared with Sheikh Mohammed India’s plan to embark on a Second Green Revolution.
Both leaders agreed that there was vast scope to increase bilateral trade which had already crossed $ 43 billion. They also recognized that UAE acts as a gateway for Indian exports to Central Asia, Africa and Europe and that Dubai had excellent re-export facilities. Sheikh Mohammed also said that there was excellent scope for India and Gulf countries to consider joint ventures in third countries.
The two sides discussed the question of empowerment of women and took note that both countries had women ministers in their Cabinets and have been working on the empowerment of women, including in the area of higher education.
The Indian president came with a 56 member-strong Indian business delegation.
Several top dignitaries attended the meeting including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Group, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, minister of Foreign Trade, Reem Al-Hashimi, minister of State, Lt. Gen. Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Commander and Lt. Gen. Musabbah Al-Fattan, Director of the office of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid.
