April 4, 2019
ABU DHABI: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been given the United Arab
Emirate's highest civilian award, Zayed Medal, for his efforts to strengthen
the relations between the two countries.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said in a tweet,
"We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced
by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave
these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President
grants him the Zayed Medal."
Modi tweeted to say he accepts the award with "utmost humility". "I accept
this honour 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."
The crown prince had played a role in February last to deescalate the tension
between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack.
"The State visit of the Prime Minister (Modi) to UAE in February last year
helped in sustaining the momentum generated by earlier visits of Crown Prince
in 2017 and 2016 and that of PM in 2015," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
An External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said India "greatly" appreciated
this honour conferred on PM Modi. "This singular honour is in recognition of
the efforts of the government under the Prime Minister's leadership to develop
the strategic partnership between India and the UAE."
The previous recipients of Zayed Medal are Russian President Vladimir Putin,
former US president George W Bush, former France president Nicolas Sarkozy,
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
