Sheikh Mohammed receives Irish President McAleese

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received the visiting Irish President Mary McAleese at Za'abeel Palace yesterday.

The two leaders exchanged views on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the fields of knowledge, tourism and mutual investment.

President McAleese spoke about the UAE's excellent reputation in Ireland and in the world at large, pointing out the country's progress in technology, education and cultural fields. She also praised the modern infrastructure in the UAE, which she described as a major factor in attracting tourists and investors from Ireland and other countries.

The two leaders also discussed the root causes of the global financial crisis and its negative impact on Ireland, as its economy is closely intertwined with the British and American markets.

The Irish President praised the resilience of the UAE's financial and banking systems, attributing their strength to the wisdom and vision of the country's leadership.

Sheikh Mohammed hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the Irish President and her delegation.

Present at the meeting were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, FNC Speaker; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Event Management Corporation among others.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.