UAE is a friend for all, says Sheikh Mohammed

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said peace is the basis of the country's foreign policy and helping the poor and needy are the priorities of the UAE diplomatic agenda.

Lunch at Jones the Grocer in Abu Dhabi yesterday for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Minister of Interior; Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and Lt Gen Musabbeh Al Fattan, director of the Dubai Ruler’s Office. The Prime Minister also chaired a Cabinet meeting at which foreign policy and humanitarian aid topped the agenda. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court – Abu DhabiShow less

ABU DHABI // Foreign policy and humanitarian aid topped the agenda of Monday’s Cabinet meeting.

"The UAE is a friend for all; peace is the basis of our foreign policy of peace and contribution to international development efforts; and helping the poor, the needy and the weak tops the UAE's diplomatic agenda," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, according to the state news agency, Wam.

Sheikh Mohammed, presiding over the meeting, added: “The country’s participation in development and relief efforts around the world is a permanent feature of our diplomacy that future generations will inherit with pride and appreciation.”

The meeting was attended by ministers including Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

During the meeting, the Cabinet approved the UAE’s request to be an associate member in the Development Assistance Committee affiliated to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori was appointed director general of the UAE's Smart Government.

Several international agreements were also endorsed.

These included the marine transport and ports agreement between the UAE and Algeria, which aims to strengthen and develop economic and trade relations between the two countries and work to facilitate co-operation in the field of maritime transport.

The Cabinet also endorsed an agreement on regulating air transport services between the UAE and Argentina, Kosovo, Zambia, and Cambodia and approved the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Affairs between the UAE and the Maldives.