Amal Al Qubaisi meets Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament

BRUSSELS, 1st May, 2016 (WAM) -- Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC) has met with Manfred Weber, Chairman of the Group of the European People's Party (EPP Group) in the European Parliament, at the EU headquarters in Brussels. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi, Second Deputy Speaker of FNC, and FNC members attended the meeting. Weber welcomed Al Qubaisi and her accompanying delegation, stressing the importance of bilateral meetings and exchange of views in the light of the current challenges faced by world and the Middle East region, and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy to play its role in bridging the communication gaps among peoples. Chairman of the EPP Group extended greetings to Amal Al Qubaisi for her election as the FNC Speaker, the first female Speaker of the Parliament in the Arab and the Middle East. Al Qubaisi reviewed the UAE's effective and responsible role towards the regional and international issues based on dialogue, positive participation and resolving disputes through peaceful means as well as to create an appropriate environment for international relations based on the principles of good neighbourliness, moderation, tolerance and rejection of violence and extremism. She also highlighted the efforts made by the UAE to build bridges between faiths, stressing the importance of joint action in this context to enhance peace, tolerance and coexistence values. She added that the country is adopting a strategic vision to reduce the dependence on oil exports and build a knowledge-based economy. Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi discussed with Weber the developments in the Gulf and Arab world, referring to the UAE's participation in the Saudi-led Arab Coalition in Yemen, which is aimed at fighting terrorism, restoring peace and protecting the region from the Iranian interventions. She called on the European official to support UAE's just cause for regaining legitimacy on its three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, which are occupied by Iran, and to back its call to resolve the issue whether through direct negotiations or by referring to the International Court of Justice. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi extended an invitation to Pittella to visit the UAE. – Emirates News Agency, WAM –