UAE private sector can play big role in Iraq, says Abdullah

Dubai: Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, yesterday received Abdul Karim Sultan Sinjari, Minister of State for Interior in the Regional Government of Kurdistan, Iraq.

Shaikh Abdullah and the Iraqi official, who was accompanied by a trade delegation, discussed cooperation between the UAE and Iraq.

Shaikh Abdullah hailed the national reconciliation initiative launched by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki. Iraq needs the concerted efforts of its citizens as well as those of its neighbours, said Shaikh Abdullah. "Iraq stands in need of investments from different countries. I think the UAE has a big role to play in this regard. The UAE will encourage its private sector to reinforce bilateral economic cooperation between the UAE and Iraq," Shaikh Abdullah told Iraqi TV.

Khalifa receives Kenyan message

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a letter from Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki yesterday.

The letter, which dealt with bilateral relations, was delivered to Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, by the visiting Kenyan Information and Communication Minister Mutahi Kagwe.

Shaikh Abdullah's meeting with the Kenyan official was attended by Bishar Hussain, Kenyan ambassador to the UAE.