Dubai: The decision to allow Emirati citizens to obtain Schengen visa on arrival in member countries is a recognition by the European Union to the UAE’s status and its sustained successes, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, said on Wednesday.
Shaikh Abdullah’s comments came as he congratulated UAE leaders on the nation’s accomplishment. He said the EU decision was a great achievement for UAE diplomacy, which has proved itself as an outstanding model for its ability to influence and work in an integrated manner, apart from its ability to achieve supreme national interests at home and abroad.
Proven excellence
“This is not the first time that UAE diplomacy has proven its excellence. It had an important and influential role in the UAE’s winning bid to host the World Energy Conference in 2019 and the Dubai Expo 2020, in addition to Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency [Irena] in 2009,” Shaikh Abdullah said.
He stressed the decision of the European Parliament did not come from a vacuum, nor was it easily achieved. Behind it stood the wise policy of the UAE’s leadership that worked hard to build its spotless image abroad. He also pointed out that the decision involves several positive returns for UAE citizens that will facilitate their freedom to travel throughout the EU. It will also allows students the opportunity to get acquainted with European universities closely.
Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said the Schengen visa waiver was an overwhelming success for the UAE diplomacy. He also congratulated the UAE leaders on the achievement.
Shaikh Hazza said the decision was a result of the immeasurable efforts by the UAE Foreign Ministry led by Shaikh Abdullah and his outstanding team, and was the fruit of several years of handwork and devotion.
