Sheikh Mohammed receives EC President

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received today at the Marmoul Resthouse the European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso.

The meeting, which was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, explored ways of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the UAE and the European Community (EC) as well as between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU, to achieve welfare and to bring peace to the people of the region and the world at large.

Sheikh Mohammed and his European guest also discussed a variety of humanitarian issues in conflict-hit zones, in particular the humanitarian situation of people in Arab countries experiencing internal problems.

Sheikh Mohammed noted that the UAE is a staunch supporter of right and justice and a key contributor of humanitarian assistance aimed at alleviating the suffering of people undergoing political and military turmoil or natural disasters.

For his part, Barroso lauded the UAE's humanitarian stances across the world and its generous assistance to bring a smile to the face of the underprivileged in Third World countries, especially those struck by natural catastrophes.

He also commended the progress that the UAE has achieved under the wisdom and vision of its leadership. The UAE, he noted, has become a model in the region of humanitarian, social and cultural co-existence between the different nationalities that make up its diverse social fabric.