U.A.E. Foreign Minister, Luxembourg FM Discusses Bilateral Relations

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, U.A.E. Foreign Minister, met with Luxembourg's Foreign Minister, Jean Asselborn.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields, especially in investment, trade and energy.

They also reviewed the current developments in the Middle East and a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during a press conference held by the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, expressed his delight at the developing relations between the U.A.E. and the Grand Duchy, expressing his confidence that his current visit to Luxembourg will contribute to the strengthening of those good relationship.

Sheikh Abdullah also asserted that the diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were established in June 1980, have developed significantly and effectively over the past 34 years, and this is confirmed by the high-level visits of the leaders of the two countries over the past years.

Sheikh Abdullah also emphasised that tourism between the two countries is witnessing a great development as the number of visitors from Luxembourg to the United Arab Emirates was 1,106 in 2013.

Sheikh Abdullah said that, "The United Arab Emirates is seeking to strengthen its ties with Luxembourg, where today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on political consultations, which will contribute to documenting relations in the light of rapid international events which require continuous mutual cooperation and coordination between the two countries." Sheikh Abdullah expressed his hope for further cooperation in all fields and to continue strengthening relations with Luxembourg for the benefit and interests of the two friendly peoples.

For his part, Jean Asselborn welcomed Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and the accompanying delegation and noted the distinguished and developed relations that bind his country with the U.A.E., especially in the economic, trade and investment fields.

Asselborn noted the prestigious status occupied by the U.A.E. at regional and global levels and its achievements in all fields.

At the end of the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah and Asselborn signed an MoU on political consultations. The Luxembourg FM hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of Sheikh Abdullah.

The meeting and the banquet were attended by Suleiman Hamed Salem Al Mazrouei, Head of the U.A.E. Mission to the European Union and U.A.E. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium along with other dignitaries and officials.

Sheikh Abdullah visited the European Museum, dedicated to the Schengen Agreement, which is located in Schengen, a small village located near the borders of Luxembourg, Germany and France, with a population of 425 people.

The village became famous in June 1985 when the Schengen Agreement signatories agreed on the gradual abolition of border checks between Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany, the original member states.