'We've met 5 times in 7 months, it's very rare and reflects our close relationship', PM Modi tells UAE President

Shortly after he was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon landing in UAE’s Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed for a bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan where he hailed the close ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, PM Modi said that whenever he visits UAE he feels as if he has come to meet his family.

"I thank you for the warm welcome. Whenever I come here to meet you, I always feel I have come to meet my family. We've met 5 times in the last 7 months, it's very rare and reflects our close relationship...," said PM Modi in his opening remarks as the two leaders sat for the bilateral.

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PM Modi also thanked Al Nahyan for accepting his invitation to visit his home state for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

"I thank you for accepting my invitation and coming to my home state Gujarat for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. You have taken this event to new heights and its reputation has increased in the world...," said the Prime Minister.

PM Modi, who will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, said that the temple's construction would not have been possible without the support from the UAE's leadership.

"The BAPS temple in the UAE is an example of your affinity for India," he said

PM Modi also expressed happiness over the bilateral investment treaty which India and UAE will be inking today.

"Brother, it is also a matter of happiness that today we are (signing) the bilateral investment treaty... I believe that this will be big news for the G20 countries that India and UAE are moving forward in this important direction...," said the PM.

Boosting cooperation in areas of energy, ports, fintech, digital infrastructure, railways and investment flows is likely to be taken up during their talks today.

The two sides are likely to sign several agreements to shore up cooperation in several key areas.

In Abu Dhabi, Modi will also inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday.

He will also address the Indian community members on Tuesday evening called Ahlan Modi' (Hello Modi in Arabic) at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

With inputs from agencies