The Hindu : International / India & World : UAE backs India's bid for Security Council seat

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 29, 2004

International

International - India & World

UAE backs India's bid for Security Council seat

By Atul Aneja

MANAMA, DEC. 28 . The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the second Gulf nation after Oman to express support for India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council during the visit to the region by the External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Mr. Singh's meeting with UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two Ministers agreed that it was necessary to enlarge the Security Council. UAE's official news agency Wam, quoting from the statement said, "the UAE expressed its support for India in its objective of obtaining permanent membership of such an enlarged Security Council."

Oman had also declared its backing for India's presence in an expanded security council during Mr. Singh's visit to Muscat prior to his arrival in the UAE. Mr. Singh was slated to visit Bahrain on Wednesday during his maiden three-nation Gulf visit but has decided to return home following the tsunami disaster on Sunday.

Mr. Singh's visit was part of a concerted effort by New Delhi to build closer ties with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by establishing strategic partnerships with its key members. During a meeting with GCC representatives in Mumbai in February, India had expressed interest in establishing a Free Trade Area with the grouping. A political dialogue with the GCC was also initiated in September 2003.

On the political side, India and the UAE discussed the current status of India-Pakistan relations, developments in Afghanistan and in Palestine. The UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, during his meeting with Mr. Singh, commended India and Pakistan for the positive developments in their relationship. He reiterated that both sides should continue with their endeavours, which would be in the interest of the people of the two countries and the region.

On Palestine, the United Progressive Alliance Government has stressed that India's support for an independent Palestinian cause has not been diluted. New Delhi has emphasised its commitment to restore a "balance" in its relationship with the Palestinians and Israel.

Mr. Singh handed over to Sheikh Khalifa a letter by the President, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, inviting him to visit India.

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