SPEECH BY SHRI K.R.NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE RECEIVING CREDENTIALS FROM DR. SAEED MOHAMMED ALI AL-SHAMSI,AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 16, 2001

Excellency,

I have great pleasure in welcoming you as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of United Arab Emirates. I would like to thank you for conveying the good wishes of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the President of UAE and people of the UAE, which I sincerely reciprocate. I avail myself of this opportunity to convey through you the greetings of the Government and people of India to the Government and people of UAE. I am touched by your warm and friendly references to my country and my countrymen.

UAE and India are close friends for several centuries. Our friendship is rooted in history. In fact, our two countries have maintained economic and cultural contacts for millennia. India has been the confluence of several cultures and civilizations. The Arab world has made a substantial contribution to our cultural mosaic. Because of our long history of interaction with different cultures, religions and races, Indian society has a tradition not only of tolerance but respect for other’s ideas and beliefs.

We admire the all round achievement of the people of UAE under the dynamic and sagacious leadership of His Highness the President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. We in India deeply cherish our ties with UAE and look forward to the visits of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah.

Excellency, I am confident that with your knowledge and experience you will contribute effectively towards the expansion and diversification of our bilateral relations. I assure you that you will receive the full cooperation of the Government of India in this respect. I wish you a pleasant stay and all success in your endeavours to strengthen our bilateral relations during your tenure in India.

Thank you