India hopes to work closely to expand ties with UAE: Prez

India looks forward to working closely with United Arab Emirates (UAE) to further expand and deepen bilateral ties, President Pranab Mukherjee said today.
Mukherjee stated this while extending his greetings to the government and people of the UAE on the occasion of their National Day.
In a message to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President said India deeply values its close, friendly and warm relations with the United Arab Emirates, "which are firmly rooted in our age-old trade and cultural links, nourished by people-to-people contacts and regular exchange of high-level visits".
"I look forward to working closely with Your Highness to further expand and deepen our bilateral relations," Mukherjee said.

He said the recent contacts and exchanges at the highest political level have provided a fresh impetus to mutually beneficial ties and elevated them to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
"We are delighted that His Highness the crown prince of Abu Dhabi has agreed to be our chief guest at the Republic Day 2017 celebrations," the President said.