UAE | Government
Merkel talks of 'real partnership'
Germany yesterday sought coordinated efforts between the UAE and Germany to find just solutions to the causes of conflict and tension in many areas such as the Middle East, Afghanistan and other hotspots.
- WAM
- Published: 01:04 February 8, 2008
Berlin: Germany yesterday sought coordinated efforts between the UAE and Germany to find just solutions to the causes of conflict and tension in many areas such as the Middle East, Afghanistan and other hotspots.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday evening held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The two leaders held official talks on bilateral relations and ways to boost them in all areas to reach real partnership level.
Germany is one of the major trading partners of the UAE with bilateral trade touching 5.86 billion Euros in 2006, according to government estimates. The trade balance is heavily tilted towards Germany which exported 5.4 billion euros worth of goods to the UAE.
They held a joint press conference during which they answered questions from local and international media representatives.
At the beginning of the press conference, the German Chancellor pointed out that her country was deeply interested in achieving real partnership with the UAE at the government and private sector levels.
Related Links
She said although a partnership exists between the two countries, it is not up to strategic level, adding that there is cooperation between the two countries in the areas of infrastructure and logistics, particularly in the sectors of building of airports and roads.
"There is also the opportunity of wider cooperation in the areas of health, medicine, education, energy, transport and others," she said.
She cited her country's role in Afghanistan, as part of the efforts of the European Union and Nato to bring peace and stability in that war-ravaged country.
She expressed the hope that Emirates airline would soon open a new route to Berlin and hinted that the two countries would soon hold discussions on how to achieve that goal.
More from UAE Government
More from UAE
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
