His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces inspects a guard of honour during his ceremonial reception at the forecourt of India's Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi, India, January 25, 2017. REUTERS
New Delhi - Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is on a three-day state visit to India.
Published: Wed 25 Jan 2017, 12:36 PM
Updated: Thu 26 Jan 2017, 8:13 AM
Sheikh Zayed and Mahatma Gandhi, the founding fathers of the UAE and India, are more relevant than ever in today's violent world, said His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Humanity is in dire need, as never before, to learn from the teachings of the two visionary leaders, said the UAE leader who is on a three-day state visit to India. Sheikh Mohamed will be the chief guest at the Indian Republic Day celebrations on Thursday. He stressed on tolerance and peaceful co-existence as he wished the people of India and the government on their special day.
Mahatma Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed were "inspiring examples of tolerance and wisdom and staunch advocates of peaceful co-existence," Sheikh Mohamed said in a message to the Indian people.
He said the two leaders laid the "foundations that allowed our nations to take giant leaps towards development and prosperity".
The significance of India's Republic Day transcends the borders of the country. It's for the world and India's friends to celebrate, too. It offers an example of peace and development for all nations.
The UAE and India have gone beyond their historical cultural links and trade ties to shore up their relationship with this visit, the second by the Emirati leader in less than 12 months.
In a first, UAE troops, the first Arab contingent to be given the honour, will lead the march-past down Indian Gate on January 26
"I look forward to strengthening our relationship with India given the depth and richness of this special relationship,'' he said.
He was confident the two sides will forge a new partnership for peace and stabililty of the region and the world.
Sheikh Mohamed was effusive in his praise for India. "I am very delighted to visit your wonderful country and be among you on this historic occasion. May India continue to develop and prosper and may its people keep on the path of success."
- allan@khaleejtimes.com
Allan Jacob
A news junkie with an abiding interest in foreign affairs. I'm a keen follower and learner of the media and how it will pan out in the future when the common man and woman will themselves be journalists and not just sources of information. Lead a team of bright journalists who are driving the change and have their feet on the ground.
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