ABU DHABI // Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that UAE diplomacy has entered a new era that has strengthened the country’s foreign policy achievements.
He was speaking in his role as chairman of the Emirates Diplomatic Academy, which held the first meeting of its board of trustees on Tuesday.
“The recent diplomatic victory that led to the exemption of UAE citizens from the Schengen visa requirement is only the start of a new era of successes that we aim to achieve through highly qualified and trained Emiratis,” he said.
“In our continued pursuit of excellence, we encounter new responsibilities.
“The country’s diplomats should therefore constantly search for innovative ways to meet the national objectives of the UAE, in line with the leadership’s aspirations, to achieve a foreign policy that wins the respect and admiration of the international community at all times.”
The academy, which was established last year, aims to train Emiratis to prepare them for a career in diplomacy. It is an integrated academic and research centre that teaches its cadres about foreign policy.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and the managing director of the EDA, said the academy was a “key pillar within UAE diplomacy”.
“It is envisaged to assume a dynamic future role in training and developing Emiratis to effectively prepare the next generation of diplomats, who will be able to further solidify our country’s position internationally and protect our national interests,” he said.
“This will be achieved in the coming period by providing trainees with a platform to acquire comprehensive skills, experience and knowledge to excel in their careers and empower them to play a central role in supporting the UAE’s foreign policy objectives.”
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