The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has conferred its highest civilian honour-Zayed Medal upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in appreciation of his efforts in maintaining strategic ties with the country.
Zayed Medal is the highest decoration of the UAE government awarded to kings, presidents and heads of states. The award was given in appreciation of Narendra Modi's role in consolidating the long-standing friendship and joint strategic cooperation between the two countries.
“The Indian Prime Minister had played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic relations,” said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.”
“By granting our dear friend the Indian Prime Minister the Zayed Medal, we express our appreciation for his role and efforts in developing friendly relations and extending bridges of cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of India in various fields,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi tweeted to say he accepts the award with "utmost humility".
“Under your visionary leadership, our strategic ties have reached new heights. This friendship is contributing to the peace and prosperity of our people and planet,” PM Modi thanked Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi for this kind gesture.
The bonds between India and UAE have been considerably strengthened as PM Modi visited the latter country in 2015. He also visited the UAE for the second time as Prime Minister in February 2018 and held wide-ranging talks with the Crown Prince.
The two sides even signed five agreements related to the energy sector, railways, manpower and financial services.
Several Ministers of the Indian government congratulated PM Modi on receiving the prestigious UAE award including Sushma Swaraj, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh.
“I am extremely happy to welcome the announcement of Order of Zayed for a great son of India Prime Minister Narendra Modi by His Highness Mohamed Bin Zayed,” tweeted Sushma Swaraj, Sushma Swaraj, Indian External Affairs Minister.
“This is in recognition of Prime Minister’s stellar role in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership with UAE and the best ever relations with the Islamic world,” she added.
“Indeed, a very proud moment for India as UAE confers Zayed Medal to our popular Narendra Modi. The award recognises the stellar role played by PM in forging deeper ties with UAE and the larger Islamic world,” tweeted Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law and Information Technology Minister of India.