Abdullah Bin Zayed meets John Baird
Abdullah and also received by Mayor of Calgary
Calgary: Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, and John Baird, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed relations between the UAE and Canada and ways to boost them to serve common interests.
The ministers held talks in the city of Calgary during Shaikh Abdullah’s official visit to Canada.
During the meeting, both parties discussed areas of cooperation between the UAE and Canada, especially in trade, investment, economy, health, education and infrastructure, as well as agriculture, food security, and renewable and alternative energy, the last two of which the UAE has extensive experience in through Masdar City.
They also reviewed opportunities to increase trade and strengthen cooperation in the field of investment at all levels through coordination, and introduce investment opportunities in various vital sectors in the two countries. They emphasised the importance of direct dialogue between competent companies in both countries to stimulate economic initiatives for the establishment of joint ventures.
The meeting also covered the latest developments in the regional and international arenas and issues of common concern.
Shaikh Abdullah highlighted the UAE’s keenness to build strategic relationships with Canada and the importance of continuing to build partnerships for the future.
He also stressed that the UAE has become a global investment destination and centre for regional and international investors thanks to its unique investment environment, as well as its modern and sophisticated infrastructure, in addition to its strategic and vital geographic location as a focal point between the continents of the world, referring also to political and security stability and the availability of a contemporary economic legislative system in the country.
For his part, the Canadian Foreign Minister commended the constructive role played by the UAE in addressing regional and global challenges and issues.
“We have a strong relationship with the UAE and we cooperate and discuss together a number of issues,” Baird said, noting that the UAE is one of the largest trading partners of Canada in the Arabian Gulf region and the Arab world. Baird also described the progress and achievements witnessed by the UAE as “amazing”.
Shaikh Abdullah and his delegation were also received by Naheed Nenshi, the Mayor of Calgary.
During the meeting, Shaikh Abdullah and the Mayor discussed bilateral relations and ways of boosting investment, trade and tourism between the two friendly countries.
Shaikh Abdullah expressed his pleasure at visiting Calgary and stressed the importance of the exchange of experiences between the two sides through joint projects which will benefit the two countries and its peoples.
Nenshi said the meeting will contribute to strengthening relations of cooperation, friendship and partnership between the UAE and Canada, adding that the development and progress found in the UAE is comparable to many global cities, which will enhance opportunities for mutual cooperation.
