The UAE added its voice to the growing criticism of Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for making “racist” comments during a recent speech.
Mr Borrell has come under fire for describing the world outside Europe as a potentially violent “jungle”.
“Europe is a garden,” he said in a speech in Bruges, Belgium, but “most of the rest of the world is a jungle, and the jungle could invade the garden”.
The UAE said the remarks were “inappropriate and discriminatory”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation rejected Mr Borrell's remarks, which it described as racist, and said they contributed to a worsening climate of intolerance and discrimination worldwide.
The ministry — represented by Mohamed AlShehi, director of the European Affairs Department, and Reem Ketait, deputy assistant minister of political affairs — summoned Emil Paulsen, acting head of mission at the EU delegation to the UAE.
Mr Borrell's office was asked to provide a written explanation.
The remarks are a disappointing development that comes at a time when all parties are aware of the importance of respect for other religions, cultures and ethnic groups, as well as values such as pluralism, coexistence and tolerance, Wam reported.
