WAM Abu Dhabi, Apr 16th, 2012 (WAM)--xxxx. UAE. For his part, the Indian FM thanked Sheikh Abdullah for the UAE's hosting of the joint committee meetings, good hospitality and reception. He added that the two sides discussed the bilateral relations and ways to boost them in the areas of trade investment, culture, energy, transport, telecommunications, oil, gas, business and consular affairs.

The Indian FM lauded the role played by the UAE in the regional and international arenas, especially in combating the maritime piracy and terrorism in order to achieve the international security and peace.

He hoped that the volume of mutual trade would grow with the next years, in addition to setting up of support team to back the trade, investment, economic and energy fields.

Sheikh Abdullah and the Indian FM signed the minutes of meeting of the joint committee on the cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, security, judicial, educational. customs and energy fields.

Jumaa Mubarak Al Junaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indian Ambassador to UAE M. K. Lokesh signed the memorandum of understanding for setting up the joint consular committee.

Musbeh Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and the Indian Ambassador also signed the second protocol on amendment of the agreement between the two governments on avoiding double taxation and financial evasion regarding taxes on the income and capital.

WAM/MN