European Union Mission to the UAE officially inaugurated

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the board of directors of National Media Council, greeted Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission.

Minister of State Dr Sultan Al Jaber looks on as Federica Mogherini speaks at the opening of the EU mission in Abu Dhabi. Wam

ABU DHABI// The European Union mission to the UAE has been officially opened in the capital.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, met Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign secretary and vice president of the European Commission, at the inauguration ceremony at Etihad Towers.

“The UAE is a country we work hand in hand with on bilateral issues in an excellent manner,” said Ms Mogherini.

“It’s the only Arab country that has a visa waiver regime with the EU, and a country with whom we have so much in common, from energy and climate change to trade and culture relations.”

The ceremony included a high-profile guests including the Speaker of the FNC, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Chief of Protocol Shihab Al Faheem, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Representatives from other government organisations and the ambassadors of countries including Canada, Argentina, Macedonia and EU member states also attended.

Ms Mogherini said she was looking forward to Expo 2020 in Dubai.

“This is why we indicate in our global strategy that we need to work together the Gulf countries,” she said. “There are many challenges and opportunities we can work on together,” she said.

“Let me add that you are a source of inspiration for having the first woman president of the Federal National Council.”

Patrizio Fondi, EU ambassador to the UAE, said the ceremony was a moment of celebration.

“This delegation is a symbol and a tangible instrument of friendship and remarkable momentum in EU-UAE relations,” Mr Fondi said.

He praised the UAE’s increasingly active role in the region and around the world.