Abu Dhabi, August 17, 2016:H.E. Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade and Industry, recently praised the brotherly relations between the UAE and India, mentioning the strong historical ties and bilateral cooperation characterizing their bond.

The statement was given during a celebratory event organized by the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) at the Hayat Regency hotel in Dubai marking the occasion of the 70th Independence Day of India. The attendees also bade farewell to Indian Ambassador to the UAE, T.P. Seetharam who is ending his term.

H.E. Al Saleh honored the Indian Ambassador on behalf of H.E. the Minister of Economy, commending his esteemed efforts to support and enrich bilateral relations and enhance economic and trade ties between the two countries. H.E. wished him great success in his future responsibilities.

The Undersecretary emphasized the UAE’s appreciation of its distinctive partnership with India, referring to the growing importance of the trade relations between the two countries. He said that the UAE considers India as its top trade partner, with the total volume of their trade exceeding USD 34 billion in 2015 inclusive of free trade area activities. He added that there are 4,365 companies, 177 trading agencies and 5,579 Indian trademarks present in the UAE.

The IBPC in turn honored H.E. Al Saleh for his outstanding efforts in strengthening their bonds of trade and economic cooperation.

H.E. T.P. Seetharam, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, said that India greatly values its relations with the UAE, pointing out that the UAE represents a global economic center and a dynamic destination for finance and business. The Ambassador expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to UAE officials for their fruitful cooperation which has significantly impacted the success of his mission as an ambassador for his country to the UAE.