Ruler of Dubai meets PM, discusses security issues

Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Thursday and discussed the economic and political ties between the two countries.

The two leaders also talked about security issues, tackling terrorism and the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the region, The National quoted Sheikh Mohammed's official website as saying.

The meeting aimed at outlining ways and measures to enhance cooperation between India and UAE, said the report, adding that the two leaders wanted to 'strengthen the bonds of friendship between their countries and people'. The two leaders also discussed many bilateral and regional issues.

Dr Singh described Sheikh Mohammed's visit as 'a continuation in a series of relationship-building meetings between their countries', according to The National.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Director of the office of the Ruler of Dubai Mohammed Ibrahim al Shaibani and UAE's Ambassador to India Mohammed al Owais.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

While the Ruler of Dubai returned to the UAE on Thursday, his high-level delegation will continue with the talks with their Indian counterparts, said the report.

This is Sheikh Mohammed's second visit to India. Earlier, he visited India as the vice president and prime minister in March 2007, and the two nations signed five agreements in the fields of trade, business, strategic and cultural ties during his visit

In May 2008, then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited UAE to discuss military ties between the two countries, according to The National.