Krishna to visit United Arab Emirates

New Delhi, Apr 14 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna is to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from April 14 to 16.

Krishna will preside over the 10th Session of India-United Arab Emirates Joint Commission for Technical and Economic cooperation (JCM) along with his counterpart His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of UAE, during his visit.

The JCM is alternately held in New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. Some key agreements on double taxation and consular issues are to be signed during the visit.

Relations between India and the UAE are deep- rooted in history .

India's bilateral trade with the UAE in 2010-2011 was estimated at US $ 67 billion and is likely to increase further. UAE is a significant investor in India in terms of FDI.

These investments are largely concentrated in energy; services; programming; construction; and, tourism and hotels. Several prominent private and public sector ndian companies and banks are operating in the UAE.

Both countries have regular exchange of dialogue in the field of defence. There have been goodwill visits of Indian Navy ships to the UAE from time-to-time. In recent years, bilateral defence cooperation has been strengthened.

UAE is home to an Indian expatriate community of more than 1.75 million - the largest expatriate community in the UAE.

During his visit to the UAE, Krishna will also interact with Heads of Indian Missions in the region at a conference convened in Abu Dhabi. (ANI)