UAE and Slovakian foreign ministers hold al fresco meeting to discuss Covid-19 response


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation met his Slovakian counterpart on Tuesday.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Ivan Korcok, Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, spoke about a range of issues as they met outside and sat apart in line with social distancing practices.

The global fight against Covid-19 featured heavily in the discussions in Abu Dhabi.

Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, holds talks with his Slovakian counterpart on Tuesday. Wam
Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, holds talks with his Slovakian counterpart on Tuesday. Wam

The pair focused on ongoing co-operation to share expertise about the coronavirus, as well as ways to support international efforts to tackle its spread.

Discussions also included co-operation in the areas of investment and defence.

Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE was keen to further improve ties on all fronts.

The meeting was also attended by Slovakia's Minister of Defence Jaroslav Nad, and Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Director of the International Security Co-operation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Earlier this month, Slovakia offered free tests to its entire adult population, in an effort to stem the spread of the virus following an alarming rise in cases in late October.

Cases among Slovakia's 5.4 million people have been on the decline since hitting a high of 3,363 on October 30. On Tuesday, it reported 1,021 confirmed infections.

Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

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Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)

  • Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave. 
  • Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
  • Help out around the house.
  • Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
  • Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
  • Offer to strip the bed before you go.
UAE jiu-jitsu squad

Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)

Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)