Abu Dhabi: The UAE is keen to address the challenges of climate change in a collaborative and collective manner at the highest levels, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, said at a reception he hosted for dignitaries on his arrival at the COP16 negotiations in Cancun.
"Over the past few years the United Arab Emirates has steadily increased its engagement in the international climate talks.
"We have established numerous initiatives, including the Directorate of Energy and Climate Change within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has allowed us to play a more prominent and constructive role in the climate negotiations," Shaikh Abdullah said, according to a statement sent to Gulf News.
"Our active participation in Cancun marks a clear signal that the UAE is keen to address the challenges of climate change in a collaborative and collective manner at the highest levels."
Shaikh Abdullah commended the Mexican government and Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC for promoting transparency to the lead-up of the negotiations and stressed the importance of ensuring that such practice is maintained throughout the dialogue in Cancun.
"A cooperative and transparent approach is critical to achieving a balanced agreement that compliments the needs of developed and developing nations. I would like to commend the COP Presidency and Chair of the UNFCCC for promoting and instigating transparency."
