Mohammed’s visit boosts relations

(SUPPLIED)   

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his happiness at visiting Germany and meeting the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss political, economic and shared issues of interest.

Sheikh Mohammed said he and Merkel tackled the issues of concern to the region and world, adding that he reiterated the UAE’s position towards the Palestinian people’s cause and the establishment of the Palestinian state. He stressed the need to help Lebanon and Iraq to establish civil peace there. He said Iran was a neighbour and the UAE rejected the use of force against any neighbour or sisterly country. The countries of the world have to make greater efforts to find a solution and reach understanding with Iran.

On Afghanistan, he said the country was suffering from the destruction of its infrastructure. And it has on its soil a large number of foreign troops, especially those of Nato. It needs serious and effective efforts to establish peace and stability.

The German Chancellor welcomed Sheikh Mohammed’s visit, saying it is a chance to talk about all political issues of concern to the Middle East, particularly the Gulf, as well as bilateral relations which she described as advanced reaching the level of partnership. She said the solution to the Palestinian issue should be based on two states. She said her country hoped the Iranians respond to positive signals coming from Europe and the world, and Iran should prove its peaceful intentions with regard to the nuclear issue.

Merkel said economic relations with the UAE are advanced in various fields, highlighting the large volume or orders signed by Emirates and Etihad airlines with Airbus as well as the big presence by German firms in the UAE. Merkel called for an economic pact between the EU and the GCC that will cover the partnerships at the level of medium-sized establishments. She also called for the establishment of a joint UAE-Germany chamber.

She said her country is interested in a partnership covering co-operation in infrastructure. She offered advanced airport building and auto industry technology as German firms occupy leading position at the global level. She also called for a bigger partnership in fields of health and medicine and praised Sheikh Mohammed’s vision about education proposing that the UAE and Germany become partners in universities offering knowledge to the UAE society.

As for running direct flight by Emirates to Berlin to boost tourism between the two countries, Merkel said negotiations are under way. She expressed hope such flights would be run after the opening of the new airport.

Businessmen keen on UAE

Business leaders in Germany expressed their willingness to invest in the UAE during the visit of a high-profile trade delegation to the country, officials said.

Representatives of Germany’s financial, banking, energy and higher education sectors expressed a keeness to invest in the UAE, which is seen as a trustworthy partner country.

Speaking during a two-day visit to Berlin by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, they said, Berlin had “special ties” with Dubai.

The speakers also hailed the UAE investment laws, which they said are attractive to foreign investors.

UAE Minister of Economy Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi stressed the UAE welcomed investors looking to tap its  investment potential in the best interest of both countries.

She elaborated on the UAE’s economic growth and volumes of domestic and foreign investments.

The economy minister further detailed the businessmen about the available investment opportunities in the UAE. Relations between the UAE and Germany have developed steadily during the past five years, culminating in enhanced investments in the two countries, according to Sheikha Lubna.

Addressing German businessmen in Berlin yesterday, she said businesses stood to benefit from the enormous opportunities in the two countries, thanks to the added vibrancy gained in recent years by the German-UAE relations.

“The current visit to Germany by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the and Ruler of Dubai, and his subsequent participation in the UAE-German Economic Forum, is a major boost to the UAE-German relations,” said Sheikh Lubna during the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed.

The economy minister stressed the need to enhance economic ties between the two countries by evolving joint plans among private sector companies.

She also called for bilateral relations to be widened to cover such areas as technological infrastructure, scientific research, and health.

The UAE official said the country had adopted a liberal economic policy, a policy that has created a benign climate for foreign investments.

Chairman of the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Salah Salim Al Shamsi underscored the need for joint efforts to find investment opportunities for the private sectors in both the UAE and Germany. (Wam)

‘Real partnership’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a bid to further develop relations to reach the level of real partnership in various fields.

Talks also tackled the global political situation, and work to intensify international efforts, as well as co-ordination between the UAE and Germany, to find fair solutions to issues causing tension, in-fighting and injustice in several areas such as the Middle East, Afghanistan and other hot spots. Sheikh Mohammed and Merkel gave a joint press conference in which they answered questions from the media. At the beginning of the conference, Merkel stressed her country was interested, at government and private sector levels, in a real partnership with the UAE.

The partnership exists but does not amount to strategic partnership, said the Chancellor, adding that the two countries’ now co-operate in infrastructure and logistical fields, especially airport and road building.

There is also a chance for broader co-operation in health, medicine, education, energy, transport, Merkel added.

Merkel referred to her country’s role in Afghanistan within European Union and Nato efforts to achieve peace and stability and to help the Afghan state. She hoped Emirates airline would run weekly flights to Berlin in the foreseeable future. (Wam)