To enhance cooperation on consular affairs, the fifth meeting of the Bharat-UAE Joint Committee took place in New Delhi. The discussions, covering a wide array of topics such as labor, visa, migration, citizenship, and extradition, emphasized the need for robust coordination between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the comprehensive nature of the talks, underlining the shared commitment to addressing consular issues effectively.
Led by Muktesh Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV & OIA) of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Bharatiya delegation engaged in constructive dialogue with their UAE counterparts. Khaled Belhoul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, headed the UAE delegation, underscoring the importance both nations place on this bilateral engagement.
Bharat and the UAE enjoy a strong and multifaceted relationship, marked by mutual respect and cooperation across various domains. This relationship, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017, encompasses political, economic, trade, defense, cultural, technological, and energy-related cooperation.
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The presence of over 3.5 million Bharatiya citizens in the UAE further underscores the depth of people-to-people ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, the UAE side provided insights into the measures undertaken to safeguard the welfare of Bharatiya workers within its borders. Both sides reiterated their commitment to fostering citizen-centric consular mechanisms, ensuring the well-being and protection of their respective nationals residing or working in each other’s nations.
Key agenda items included discussions on visa facilitation to encourage greater people-to-people exchanges and the timely conclusion of agreements pertaining to migration and mobility.
The exchange of statistical data on citizens and sharing best practices on consular matters were also part of the meeting’s outcomes, reflecting the shared goal of enhancing consular cooperation.
Looking ahead, the two sides agreed to follow up on the decisions taken during the meeting and review progress at the next Consular Dialogue, slated to be held in Abu Dhabi. This commitment to ongoing engagement underscores the importance both countries place on fostering strong consular relations to serve the interests of their citizens effectively.
The fifth meeting of the Bharat-UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs marks another milestone in the enduring partnership between the two nations. By reaffirming their commitment to cooperation and dialogue, Bharat and the UAE pave the way for strengthened consular relationship that benefit their countries and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
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