Leaders discuss ways to boost ties

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday held talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

They explored ways to boost bilateral relations, especially in economy and trade to open broader avenues of cooperation between the UAE and Iran.

Shaikh Khalifa welcomed the Iranian president and expressed hope that the visit would further boost ties between the two countries in the best interests of their peoples.

Shaikh Khalifa reiterated the importance of bringing about national reconciliation among Iraqis and protecting the unity and stability of Iraq.

He stressed the need to revive the Middle East peace process and restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Development efforts

Shaikh Khalifa renewed the UAE's commitment to achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace as well as security and stability in the Middle East by defusing tension, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region.

He called for supporting development efforts in the interests of the region.

Shaikh Khalifa held a banquet in honour of the Iranian leader and his accompanying delegation.

Later in Dubai, Shaikh Mohammad received Ahmadinejad and discussed with him bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in all fields.

Shaikh Mohammad underscored the importance of boosting the joint interests of the two countries on the grounds of mutual respect and understanding.

Ahmadinejad commended the UAE's balanced policy in dealing with the countries of the world, attributing the success the UAE made in all walks of life to this sound policy.

He described the prosperity witnessed by the UAE and Dubai in particular as a model to be emulated by others. Shaikh Mohammad hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the guest and his delegation.