Dubai: Relations between the UAE and Iran are strong and based on the cultural relations between the people of the two countries, a top envoy said in a statement on Wednesdsay.
Khalifa Shahin Al Merri, the UAE's Ambassador to Iran, said in a statement that UAE's airports are both safe and secure and follow all necessary international measures and standards. They offer quality care and services for millions of passengers. More than 65 million passengers use Dubai International Airport annually.
Al Merri was reacting to statements by Hamid Rhida Asifi, Iran's Ambassador to UAE, and Zahra Al Hayan, member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Presidential Committee in the Islamic Shura Council, saying that Iranians were being treated badly at UAE's airports.
Call for patience
Al Merri denied any discrimination against any nationality and said that it is the aim of the UAE to be an international hub for tourism. He also urged all passengers passing through UAE airports to be patient while going through security checks. Al Merri said staff at government departments were proud of their reputation as professionals and in case there were any unpleasant situations at airports, it could be due to passengers feeling irritated and impatient after a long trip or due to the sizzling summer heat.
The ambassador stressed that the Customs Department, the airports and the Naturalisation and Residency Departments in the UAE always work in close coordination to offer the best possible service to passengers. “Airport employees have a responsibility towards their country and towards its visitors, which make them act in a diplomatic manner to balance security measures with easing up these procedures as part of traditional Arab hospitality,'' Al Merri said.
He called upon all diplomats to cooperate with the UAE authorities to verify allegations of mistreatment, and said that all UAE officials strive to offer the best possible treatment to all the country's guests.
