Mohamed bin Zayed, Italian Prime Minister discuss cooperation ties

ROME: His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, yesterday held talks with the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, on bilateral relations, issues of mutual interest, and the latest regional and international developments. On an official visit to Italy, Sheikh Mohamed and the delegation accompanying him met the Italian PM at Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi Palace in Rome. Renzi welcomed the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, stressing that the visit would further strengthen the mutual friendship and boost the bilateral relations between the U.A.E. and Italy, and their two peoples as well. During the meeting attended by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the U.A.E. Foreign Minister, the two sides discussed ways to enhance the bilateral relations in all fields in the light of distinguished friendship, joint interests, joint coordination and cooperation on issues of mutual concern. The talks also focussed on cooperation ties, especially in the areas of economy, investment and trade, and the outcome of the successful visit of the Italian PM to the U.A.E. in February. The visit had promoted a common vision to push forward the bilateral relations to realise the aspirations of the two countries and their friendly peoples. Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the interest of the U.A.E. in furthering the ties and building stronger partnerships with Italy in all sectors, noting that the U.A.E., led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, based its foreign policy on building stronger and balanced relations with friendly countries in accordance with the principles of mutual respect and friendship. Addressing the Italian PM, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said, "Your recent visit to the U.A.E. was fruitful, given your interest in pushing forward the economic cooperation between the two countries. We in the U.A.E. share with you the same interest in giving an opportunity to strengthening of the bilateral relations." The Italian Prime Minister described the visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi as 'vital' and reflects the growth of relations between the two countries in all fields, and provides a strong motive for development of joint projects. Renzi reiterated the interest of Italy in strengthening the ties with the U.A.E., adding that this meeting "represents an opportunity to discuss joint cooperation on the areas of politics, economy, investment and industry, as well as exchange views on a number of issues of mutual concern." The two sides also exchanged views on the latest Arab, regional and international issues. They stressed at the end of the meeting their satisfaction on the growth of relations between the U.A.E. and Italy in the light of keenness of the leaders on continuous development of the relations and joint vision on international cooperation to ensure peace, security and stability in the region and world at large. Among those who attended the meeting were Mohammed Ahmad Al Bawardi Al Falasi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA); Saqr Nasser Al Raisi, U.A.E.'s Ambassador to Italy; and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, and Italian Ambassador to the U.A.E. Giorgio Starace. The Italian Prime Minister hosted a banquet in honour of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi attended by a number of ministers, senior officials and Italian businesspersons. Renzi took Sheikh Mohamed in a tour to historic Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi. – Emirates News Agency, WAM