Mohammad: Berlin air link will lift ties

Berlin: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, arrived here on Wednesday on a two-day visit to Germany.

Following his arrival, Shaikh Mohammad visited the Municipality of Berlin, also known as the Red Town Hall, where he was received by Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit.

"I believe our visit to Germany will yield favourable results and contribute to strengthening bilateral relations in the best interest of our two countries and people," Shaikh Mohammad said in a brief speech after signing in the golden register at the municipality.

Wowereit welcomed Shaikh Mohammad's visit and praised Dubai's growth and prosperity, adding that there were ongoing efforts to have the German government allow Emirates airlines to add a service to Berlin, which will enhance the movement of tourists between the two countries.

Shaikh Mohammad thanked the mayor for the reception and said: "This is not my first visit to Germany; I used to visit the country when I was a student at Cambridge University in London. I have a special appreciation for Germany and look forward with great interest to our strong mutual ties," Shaikh Mohammad said.

With regards to the new air route to Berlin, Shaikh Mohammad said: "Adding a new route between Dubai and Berlin will bolster our relations, and while we believe in the policy of open skies, we respect the Germans and their right to consider their interests the way they see them," Shaikh Mohammad added.

Shaikh Mohammad is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler; Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Economy Minister, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, and several other officials.

In Berlin, Shaikh Mohammad inspected the guard of honour at the airport where he was received by Mohammad Ahmad Al Mahmoud, UAE Ambassador to Germany, other diplomats and German officials.