New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Friday on the first leg of his five-nation tour and received a ceremonial escort from UAE F-16 fighter jets as his plane entered Emirati airspace.Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, Modi was given a guard of honor before beginning the high-level event with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in areas including energy, trade, investment and regional development. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, issues of mutual international interest will also be included in the discussion.Modi’s UAE visit is part of a broader five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20, which will include the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The visit aims to strengthen India’s partnership in trade, technology, clean energy, innovation and green development.Ahead of the visit, the Federation of Indian Export Organizations described the visit as coming at a “crucial juncture” for India’s strategic and economic relations with Europe and the Gulf region.FIEO President SC Ralhan said, “The Prime Minister’s high-level engagement with the leadership of the UAE and key European countries underlines India’s growing stature as a reliable economic partner and key driver of global growth. The visit is expected to create ample opportunities for Indian exporters in various sectors including engineering, clean energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, logistics and digital trade.”“The exporters’ body also said that the UAE remains one of India’s most important trade and investment partners and continues to act as a gateway for Indian exports to West Asia and Africa.Ahead of Modi’s arrival, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimi described the prime minister as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the emirate.Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimi said India-UAE relations are set to touch “new heights” in trade and technology and said Modi’s visit will continue the momentum created by recent high-level exchanges between the two countries.After concluding the UAE leg of the visit, Modi will visit the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, where he is scheduled to meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetton and hold talks with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. There are expected to be discussions on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defense and water management.