Australia's Rudd, Abdullah discuss bilateral relations

Canberra: Kevin Rudd, Australia's Prime Minister, received Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday.

Stephen Smith, Australia's Foreign Minister was also present at the meeting.

Shaikh Abdullah conveyed greetings of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

During the meeting, bilateral relations and ways of strengthening them in various fields were discussed, in addition to encouraging investments and advanced industrial projects of common interest.

Shaikh Abdullah stressed the importance of exchanging such visits to support bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

On the other hand, Australia's prime minister conveyed greetings to Shaikh Mohammad and praised the UAE for providing an investment-friendly environment which helps in attracting business and international investment projects, making the UAE a trade and financial hub and a destination for world markets and companies.

Shaikh Abdullah also met a number of Australia's senior officials and discussed ways of strengthening relations between the two countries in various fields.

Trade and investment

In Melbourne, Shaikh Abdullah also met David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria State. The two discussed the future of trade, economic and investment relations and potential for cooperation between them.

Shaikh Abdullah also held a meeting with John Brumby, Premier of Victoria, at the State Parliament and discussed prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the area of trade, including ways to promote it and how Australian companies can benefit from the economic development witnessed in the UAE.

The UAE and Australia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a joint committee for Consular Affairs.