Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak’s speech at Consul General’s book launch

Feb 06, 2010

Mr. Consul General, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am pleased to welcome you to the occasion of the publication of this historic book, India & the UAE: In Celebration of a Legendary Friendship.

I extend a special welcome to the author, Consul General Rajamony.  We are privileged to honor you at this occasion, and to celebrate with you the publication of this extraordinary volume.  With this work, you have documented the evolution of the friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates, and created a fitting testament to your service to your country and ours.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Rajamony’s book narrates and illustrates the story of our historic ties.  When you read this book, you will gain deep insight into the dimensions of our shared history.  Close relations between the leaders of our two countries, interconnected business ventures, appreciation for our commonality and respect for our differences, voices of leaders in business, foundations of our economic, political, and social harmony – all of these topics are documented through candid interviews, thorough research, and a fluid narrative.  This rich story is woven with compelling photographs that record the ancient roots of our relationship and celebrate the modern fruits of our cooperation.

Mr. Rajamony’s book details a friendship that is unique in many ways. He demonstrates how the longevity of our relationship reflects a pattern and habit of cooperation, how we are inclined to find common ground, to see that our fortunes are interconnected.   He observes that still today, when many Indian citizens live and work in the UAE, enjoying respect and prosperity, and bringing vitality to our society, our friendship has the potential for more growth and success.  Above all, our friendship endures because of its many dimensions, and provides a blueprint for the kind of relationships necessary for social, economic and political alliance and prosperity in our globalized world.

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

We live in a world where boundaries have become blurred, where interconnections and interdependency have become the norm.  We live in a time when an economic crisis has yielded a crisis in confidence in the relationships and institutions that are the contours of the modern world and the preconditions of progress and prosperity.  To those who wonder whether we can meet the challenges, I say that global stability and prosperity begins with local and regional alliances.  India and the UAE exemplify this kind of alliance, as our two nations have built and sustained bridges of cooperation.  Just as our two nations derive mutual benefit from our relationship, other nations in the region and the whole world stand to gain from our position.  Mr. Rajamony’s book deftly describes that friendship.  And this impressive gathering this evening is a sign of the very strong relations between our two countries and the high regard and respect we have for each other.

I thank all who contributed to the publication of this book, and for their efforts to promote friendship and understanding between India and the UAE.  I further congratulate them for understanding that the enduring relationship between our two nations both has potential for further growth and provides a beacon for others to aspire to.

Mr. Rajamony:

As India’s Independence Day has just passed and as you are poised to step into a new role, this day is very momentous indeed.  Let me also take this opportunity to thank you and congratulate you on your exceptional service as Consul General, and congratulate you once again on this fine book.   I wish you, Mr. Council General, and all the people of India through you, prosperity and continued well-being in the years to come.

Thank you.