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Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi is welcomed at the United Nations in New York by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Image Credit: Courtesy: Sharjah Media Centre

New York: A delegation from Sharjah, headed by Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre and Sharjah Media Corporation, was welcomed at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York yesterday.

During the meeting, Shaikh Sultan addressed with Ban Ki moon, UN Secretary General, issues related to the Middle East and elaborated on regional support.

As part of the visit, a number of authorities from Sharjah’s public and private sectors conducted meetings with UN organisations and their leading representatives. During these sessions the Sharjah delegation learnt about the UN’s activities, and was afforded the opportunity to elaborate on projects within the emirate. They also discussed possible means of cooperation with their UN peers.

The UN secretary-general praised the longstanding relationship and cooperation between the UAE and UN, and reflected on the UN’s support in developing the Gulf and Middle East region in terms of human integrity.

Shaikh Sultan led Sharjah’s largest ever delegation, comprising more than 20 government and private organisations,to US for the first roadshow in the US organised by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) under the slogan ‘Sharjah — Promising Opportunities, Global Horizons’.

The road show which concluded on October 4 aimed at promoting Sharjah’s investment, business and cultural offerings as well as to explore avenues of cooperation with US companies and organisations.

During his meeting with the UN Secretary General, Shaikh Sultan took the opportunity to share information about the emirate, describing it as a hidden gem that is ready to be discovered and with focus on a balanced economy.The main points of Sharjah’s focus were arts, culture, diversity, history, investment opportunities, tourist attractions, health-care facilities, environmental and zero waste endeavours, as well as its excellent infrastructure, transportation and logistics.

Highlighting the efforts of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, he emphasised the importance of the UN’s involvement in humanitarian affairs, saying: “Sharjah has been fortunate to establish great relations and lead a number of initiatives with the UN in support of refugees, the youth, or countries critically affected by war.”

Ban Ki moon also expressed his interest in visiting Sharjah: “I have transited via the UAE many times but have, unfortunately, not yet been privileged enough to visit each emirate. I am looking forward to visiting Sharjah and learning more about your culture.”