Abu Dhabi: The European Parliament reaffirmed its support to the UAE in its fight against terrorism and extremism, a senior parliamentarian told a press conference Sunday.
“The European Parliament supports the UAE in its fight against terrorism and extremism as both the UAE and Europe are fighting a common war to spread peace and stability across the world,” Antonio Lopez-Isturiz, President of the EU-UAE parliamentary Friendship Group, said.
MEP Lopez paid tribute to the Emirati heroes, who paid the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, defending the cause of world peace.
The UAE is part of the international coalition against Daesh. The nation has also been a leading part of the regional coalition fighting Al Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council, said fighting terrorism and extremism has always a top priority for the UAE.
“Emirati soldiers are martyred in Yemen for promoting peace in the region, across Europe and the world,” Dr Al Qubaisi said.
They were speaking after the House and the EU-UAE Parliamentary Friendship Group signed a memorandum of understanding to further strengthen and deepen the political and institutional relations with the European Parliament and the European countries.
Dr Al Qubaisi said the group, set up five years ago, was now made up of some 60 members of the European Parliament.
“The strengthening of our mutual relations is underlined by the 2015 decision to waive the visa obligation for Emirati citizens travelling to Schengen countries,” Dr Al Qubaisi said.
The FNC Speaker added that our mutual relations are based on the common fundamental interests related to the promotion of peace, security, stability, prosperity, tolerance and mutual respect.
The group acts as a platform for comprehensive engagement between members of the European Parliament and the UAE, including the Federal National Council and civil society.
It promotes stronger economic, social and cultural relations between the EU and the UAE by acting as a support framework for informal dialogue and contact between business people, government and EU officials, financial experts and investors.
The group assists the UAE to promote its political priorities and positions within the European parliament, and in other European institutions on issues of importance to the UAE.
The group is due to visit Mrajeeb Al Fhood refugee camp for refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. It is located in Mrajeeb Al Fhood, some 20 kilometres east of Zarqa, Jordan. It was opened in April 2013 and is funded by the UAE.
