UAE and Canada discuss energy agreements

UAE Minister of Economy underlines the need to 'overcome the obstacles and challenges' between the two countries while meeting with officials in Ontario.

The UAE and Canada are entering a "new era of cooperation" as they prepare to enter energy agreements, the UAE Minister of Economy said while meeting with officials in Ontario, according to Wam.

Sultan Al Mansoori and Ontario's Minster of Energy, Chris Bentley, "discussed ways to strengthen the frameworks of economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, specifically in the areas of energy," the state news agency said.

Representatives from The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted renewable energy company, presented projects for joint cooperation, while Al Mansoori described the region as a strategic location with rich energy sources.

The UAE delegation also met Ontario's minister of northern development and mines, Rick Bartolucci; the vice premier and minister of economic development, Brad Duguid; and the vice premier and minister of finance, Dwight Duncan.

Al Mansoori "underlined the need to strengthen communications and overcome the obstacles and challenges and look forward to enhancing economic relations between the two countries," Wam said.

More than a year after a diplomatic dispute erupted over Canadian airport landing rights, the two countries have recently begun talks that could mark a turning point in cooled relations. Last week, officials announced a nuclear cooperation agreement that could lead to Canada being named as the main supplier for four nuclear reactors in the Emirates. Plans to create a UAE-Canada Business Council are also in the works.