Akbar holds talks with senior UAE ministers

Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar today held talks with senior UAE ministers here and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, including in the defence sector.
Akbar, who was here on a three-day visit from Tuesday, held meetings with UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin ZayedAl Nahyan and Minister of State for Defence Mohammed Al Bawardi.
During his meeting with the UAE Foreign Minister, bilateral ties and ways to promote them were discussed.
They also discussed the preparation for the forthcoming visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India in January 2017.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade next year.
During his meeting with Bawardi, the two discussed ways and means to promote bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, according a statement released here.

Akbar also addressed the India-UAE Economic Forum and highlighted that the developmental agenda adopted by the visionary leaders of the UAE in the 20th century must be utilised by India and the UAE together to achieve a greater success story of the 21st century.
He explained the avenues available for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India in various sectors.

Wooing investors, Akbar highlighted the transparent process offered by the present government and the speed with which the business proposals are facilitated.
He also interacted with the Indian community at India Club, Dubai.
Together with Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, he also met senior officials in Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to discuss investment opportunities in India.
Akbar also met prominent CEOs to discuss the promotion of bilateral trade and investment.