DUBAI, April 4 - The UAE on Thursday announced it will honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious Zayed Medal for playing a �pivotal role� in giving a �big boost� to the bilateral strategic ties.
President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan made the announcement to confer the Prime Minister with the award, the highest decoration awarded to kings, presidents and heads of states.
�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,� Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed Bin Zayed tweeted.
The Crown Prince, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said Modi played a key role in enhancing bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic relations.
�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 said.
�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,� External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted.
She said the prestigious award was bestowed on Modi in recognition of his �stellar role� in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership with the UAE and the �best ever� relations with the Islamic world. � PTI
