New Delhi (Sputnik): The United Arab Emirates has decided to confer Prime Minister Modi with the Zayed Medal, also known as the "Order of Zayed", as a mark of appreciation for his efforts to boost bilateral ties between India and the UAE.
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"The Government of the United Arab Emirates has decided to confer the country's highest civilian award 'the Order of Zayed' on the Prime Minister of India. 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. We greatly appreciate this honour bestowed upon PM by HH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed and the Government of the UAE. The UAE is home to the largest number of our citizens outside India and is our partner in diverse pillars of cooperation, including investment, energy, defence and security", Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
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.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 4, 2019
Accepting the award, Modi tweeted, "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".
Thank you, Your Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2019
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. https://t.co/gtAy00uffw
Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj also welcomed the announcement and tweeted, "This is in recognition of Prime Minister's stellar role in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership with UAE and the best ever relations with the Islamic world".
On behalf of the people of India, I express our deep sense of gratitude to His Highness the President, His Highness the Crown Prince of UAE for this great honour. With this, you have honoured India and the people of India. /3 @MohamedBinZayed @narendramodi
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 4, 2019
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The Zayed Medal is the United Arab Emirate's highest civilian award. It has earlier been conferred on Russian President Putin, former US President George Bush, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Markel, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
