Mohammad receives EU House president

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday received Hans-Gert Pottering, president of the European Union Parliament, who is currently on a visit to the UAE.

They discussed a number of regional issues related to the global financial crisis, peace process and econ-omic development.

Shaikh Mohammad called on European countries to exert greater efforts to find solutions to the region's conflicts and issues without taking biased stands towards party against the other.

Positive role

Pottering hailed the wise policy adopted by the UAE in economic development, religion and cultural openness and tolerance. He also praised the UAE's leadership for its wise approach to the global financial crisis, adding that the country's economy is solid and is playing a positive role in managing the global econ-omic recession.

Present at the meeting were Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in addition to other Shaikhs and senior officials.