Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday (Tuesday) received Prince Charles of Wales at Zabeel Palace.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were present.
Shaikh Mohammad welcomed Prince Charles, and emphasised the depth of historic relations between the UAE and the UK. Shaikh Mohammad and Prince Charles held talks on various topics related to bolstering ties in the fields of culture, tourism and sports, as these areas are the ideal way to bring people closer together and to achieve cultural harmony which, in turn, represent a strong foundation for promoting a culture of peace, dialogue and coexistence.
Shaikh Mohammad and Prince Charles reaffirmed the importance of cultural interaction between the people of the UAE and the UK, as well as extending new bridges that will contribute to increasing direct communication between the two cultures, as well as exchanging visits and expertise related to youths from both nations.
Shaikh Mohammad pointed out that cultural interaction through jointly organised cultural-related activities in both nations and dialogue between youths are factors that can have the largest impact on bilateral cooperation, as well as strengthening bonds of love, tolerance and peace between peoples.
Prince Charles said that he was happy to visit the UAE and meet the country’s wise leadership. He added that he was happy to have met large segments of the Emirati community, particularly the youth, to learn about their opinions, ideas and dreams concerning the future and humanitarian relations with different countries and peoples.
Prince Charles emphasised the depth of Emiratis’ knowledge and awareness, in addition to the keenness of the UAE leadership to provide them with opportunities for innovation, dialogue and to contribute to building the UAE’s future for themselves and future generations. He pointed out that for this specific reason, the UAE leadership offers opportunities for education and scholarships abroad, so that Emiratis can acquire knowledge and expertise that can be used to serve their nation and humanity.
Prince Charles also praised the appointment of a young Minister of Youth to follow up on issues concerning this segment and to learn about their ambitions and views regarding different sectors.
Present during the meeting were Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Reem Ebrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and a number of other officials.
