Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a written letter from Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, which included an invitation to the 22nd Arab Summit conference which will be held in Libya on March 27.
The letter was received by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, upon receiving Ahmad Qaddaf Al Dam, Gaddafi's special envoy.
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, was also present.
Building bonds
Shaikh Mohammad welcomed the Libyan guest and said that the UAE under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa is keen on enhancing and developing its exceptional relations with Libya, and further developing the excellent ties that bind the two countries together. He also expressed his heartfelt wishes for a successful summit which is due to be held in the Libyan city of Sert.
Best wishes
Al Dam conveyed greetings of Colonel Gaddafi to the President and best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the UAE and its people, and hailed the efforts of the UAE for the unification of Arab ranks and the creation of a unified Arab stance in the face of the current challenges in all areas.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on promoting the prospects of joint cooperation between the two countries, and discussed a number of regional and international issues of common concern.
The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials.
Gates visit mosque
US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates, paid a visit to the Shaikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
He said that it is a great honour to visit this grand edifice which holds the name of a great leader who represents a father figure of this nation with a great vision and wisdom.
Gates also said that he greatly values the friendly and long-standing relations between the US and the UAE.
