UAE minister Reem Al Hashimy hails PM Modi as “true treasure” for Emirates ahead of visit
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the Emirates, ahead of his visit to the United Arab Emirates on May 15.
Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimy expressed strong enthusiasm for the visit, noting that PM Modi remains central to a longstanding partnership between the two countries. She said the visit will build on recent high-level engagements, following the UAE President’s visit to India in January and the Crown Prince’s participation in the AI Summit in February.
Addressing the global energy situation, the minister referred to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, saying energy has been “weaponised”. She added that supply disruptions arising from the West Asia conflict have raised concerns in India and other parts of the world.
She also said the UAE’s recent decision to exit OPEC was driven by its intention to act as a “responsible global player” by producing at full capacity amid global supply challenges, adding that the issue will feature prominently in upcoming bilateral discussions.
On economic cooperation, Al Hashimy said that after surpassing the initial USD 100 billion trade target under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), “Team India and Team UAE” are now aiming for USD 200 billion in bilateral trade.
She further said the partnership is expanding into frontier sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum and supercomputing, along with infrastructure projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), noting that whenever a milestone is achieved, “there are more mountain tops to reach” with India.
Prime Minister Modi will embark on a five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, beginning with the UAE, followed by visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
(ANI)
