His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday chaired the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed commended the directives of  the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aims to strengthen international relations with various countries around the world, to serve the interests of the UAE and its people's aspirations and increase its influence to consolidate the status of the UAE as a leading model and a key player in spreading values of peace, dialogue and tolerance.

Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE is characterised by its balanced diplomacy, inspired by the values of the founding fathers and by its ability to provide ideas and solutions in international forums at all times. He stressed the great importance attached to the UAE's foreign relations, thanks to the vital role played by the country's embassies and diplomatic missions, as well as international conventions in serving UAE's policies and strengthening its position on the international map in all fields.

Pursuant to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's decision to appoint an ambassador and head of the UAE Mission to the European Union in Brussels, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a permanent mission to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

The move signifies UAE's keenness to strengthen its relations with the Council of the European Union, with which it shares joint interests and a common desire to develop and strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation in all domains.

The cabinet also approved establishment of the UAE Embassy to the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan and the re-opening of the UAE Embassy to the Republic of Somalia in Mogadishu.

The Cabinet also approved a number of agreements in field of air transport with the Republic of Paraguay and the Kingdom of Swaziland, along with an approval of an agreement with the Republic of Serbia for reciprocal exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic passports. These agreements come within the framework of strengthening joint international cooperation of the UAE at the international level and serving the interests of the country.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also approved Eid Al Adha holidays which will start on Sunday 8th Dhu Al Hijjah 1434 AH corresponding to October 13. Work will resume on Sunday October 20.
 
The Cabinet approved a request by the Federal National Council (FNC) to discuss annual reports published by international organisations about the UAE and its rankings in terms of human development, investment climate, competitiveness and others.

The Cabinet approval comes to discuss these reports due to the fact that international reports play an influential role in shaping the image and status of countries globally, in addition to their impact on strategic planning in economic, social, health and environmental areas.

During the session, the Cabinet approved the financial statements submitted by the Emirates Foundation for Transport and Public Services ("Emirates Transport") for the fiscal year 2012 and the financial statements of the Emirates Real Estate Corporation for the fiscal year 2012.