UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has conferred on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Zayed Medal, the highest decoration awarded to kings, presidents and heads of states.
The award comes in appreciation of Modi’s role in consolidating the long-standing friendship and joint strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Commenting on the announcement, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the Indian Prime Minister had played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic relations.
“By granting our dear friend the Indian Prime Minister the Zayed Medal, we express our appreciation for his role and efforts in developing friendly relations and extending bridges of cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of India in various fields,” Sheikh Mohamed added.
We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 4, 2019
We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal.
Mohamed bin Zayed explained that the historical relationship that the UAE shares with India is being renewed strategically and strengthened in preparation for the future. He praised the values that characterise Indian society in its diversity, especially tolerance, coexistence and respect.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also tweeted the announcement in Hindi.
भारत के साथ हमारे ऐतिहासिक संबंध हैं, मेरे प्रिय मित्र, प्रधान मंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी की महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका से, जिन्होंने इन संबंधों को बढ़ावा दिया। उनके प्रयासों की सराहना करते हुए, संयुक्त अरब अमीरात के राष्ट्रपति ने उन्हें ज़ायद पदक प्रदान किया
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 4, 2019
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his pride at the strong friendship and cooperation between the UAE and India, and wished the country and its people continued progress, prosperity, security and stability.
Shortly after, PM Modi thanked the Crown Prince for the honour and added that friendship between the two nations is contributing to peace and prosperity.
Thank you, Your Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
I accept this honour with utmost humility.
Under your visionary leadership, our strategic ties have reached new heights. This friendship is contributing to the peace and prosperity of our people and planet. https://t.co/gtAy00uffw
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2019
Expressing her gratitude, external affairs minister Sushama Swaraj said that UAE has not only honoured the Prime Minister but also the country and its people.
On behalf of the people of India, I express our deep sense of gratitude to His Highness the President, His Highness the Crown Prince of UAE for this great honour. With this, you have honoured India and the people of India. /3 @MohamedBinZayed @narendramodi
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 4, 2019
The Zayed Medal is the highest decoration awarded to kings, presidents and heads of states.
In the past, the honour has been given to leaders of several countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Queen of the United Kingdom Elizabeth II.
India and the UAE share warm relations that received impetus after Prime Minister Modi paid a visit to the nation in 2015, according to the ministry of external affairs.
The Crown Prince visited India in 2017 as the Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, while UAE is one of the few countries Prime Minister Modi has visited
twice.
Published on 4 April 2019
