H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Hails Outstanding Relations with Germany

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister has affirmed that U.A.E. takes special interest in its four-decade long bilateral relations and partnership with Germany that cover different spheres, based on solid foundations of common interest and mutual respect.

Sheikh Abdullah also underlined that the relationship and partnership with Germany represent a model for advanced relations between the two countries given their transparency, strength and comprehensiveness to enhance cooperation in the best interest of the two friendly countries.

The U.A.E. Foreign Minister made his remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Abu Dhabi.

Describing German foreign minister's visit to U.A.E. as fruitful, Sheikh Abdullah noted that His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of U.A.E. Armed Forces, received Steinmeier and discussed with him the bilateral and international relations.

Sheikh Abdullah said the meeting today with the German foreign minister tackled the situation in the region, including preserving of stability in Egypt and backing its economic growth. "We discussed the latest development of the 5+1 group's talks with Iran on its nuclear programme, and touched upon the importance of continuing the Middle East peace process, and bolstering efforts to combat extremism and violence as well as the principles of tolerance and moderation in the region."

He emphasised that Germany is U.A.E.'s strategic partner, noting that 15 direct daily flights are operated between the two countries, and that trade exchange between them stood at over 10 billion euros last year. He also noted that there are three German schools in U.A.E.

The U.A.E. foreign minister also noted that more than 1000 German companies are operating in U.A.E., adding that all these figures increase significantly year after year.

In a joint press conference today, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah said, "U.A.E. is home to more than 12, 000 German residents who are making every effort to drive our economies forward." He also announced that he and the German foreign minister agreed to establish a high-level bilateral team for discussing regional matters and developments.

On his part, German Foreign Minister expressed his pleasure in continuing the bilateral talks, which began with Sheikh Abdullah in Berlin. He said that the relations between both countries are not limited to economic relations but also extend to the cultural relations and other fields.

"There are over 1,000 German companies operating in the U.A.E., and also numerous Emirati investments in Germany," said Steinmeier.

The German Foreign Minister expressed his concern about the current situation in Syria, noting that during his visit to the region, he visited Lebanon, where he was alarmed with the number of Syrian refugees there, and the unstable situation they were in.

Steinemeier also said that his country acknowledges concerns over Iran s nuclear programme, which is a worrying issue for neighboring countries, adding that Germany is closely monitoring the current talks in this respect.

The German Foreign Minister also noted that the U.A.E. and Germany share common views on international issues, as they continue to support each other in international organisations.

Steinemeier said that it is important for both countries to double their efforts towards more prosperous future.

At the end of the press conference, Sheikh Abdullah hosted a luncheon in honour of the German Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation. The event was attended by the Emirati and German economic delegations.

During the luncheon, Sheikh Abdullah praised U.A.E. s bilateral relations with Germany, particularly the economic relations. He revealed that the two sides agreed to set up a bilateral work-group to deal with important issues, developments in the region, and strengthen bilateral partnership.

Sheikh Abdullah also stressed the vital role the U.A.E. plays, being an access to emerging markets in Africa, East Asia, and other developing countries.

The German Foreign Minister was accompanied by a group of economists, businesspersons and members of the German Parliament.