Abdullah bin Zayed stresses UAE's interest in trade and investment relations with Australia

ABU DHABI, 13th April, 2015 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, yesterday received the visiting Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the existing cooperation and friendship between the UAE and Australia, along with ways to enhance economic and trade ties. The two sides also tackled ways to harness of potentials opportunities between the two friendly countries to encourage mutual investments and establish joint projects to achieve further prosperity in the economic domain. The two sides also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, as well as a number of issues of mutual concern. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the Australian minister and his accompanying delegation, noting that the UAE and Australia enjoy strong and strategic bilateral relations. He also wished further cooperation in all fields and continuous improvement of ties between the two sides. He also pointed out the high-profile continuous mutual visits of leaders of the two countries, which have contributed to boosting the diplomatic ties, especially after establishment them in 1975. On his part, the Australian minister said that the UAE's large and developed infrastructure contributes to providing an ideal investment environment that attracts major investment projects across the world. He also said his country is looking forward to the UAE as a strategic and a significant gateway to the Middle East region. Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs attended the meeting. Sheikh Abdullah paid a visit to Australia last February and met with the Australia's foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, Hon Andrew Robb AO, MP Minister for Trade and Investment, Australia, and UAE students studying in universities and colleges in Melbourne and Sydney in Australia. Following the conclusion of his visit to Australia, The Australian, an Australian newspaper, published an article written by Sheikh Abdullah in which he reviewed the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. He said the UAE is the largest trade partner of Australia in the Middle East. In his article, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the role of Australia in its fight against terrorism, which poses a threat to the world. He hailed Australia's participation in the international anti Daesh (ISIL) Coalition. Sheikh Abdullah also highlighted the Australian efforts to establish peace and stability in the region, as well as defeating the forces of evil that cross all borders and do not belong to any religion or civilisation. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395279182907.html