UAE is interested in drawing lessons from Dutch development model: Khalifa

Abu Dhabi, Jan 9, 2012 (WAM) - President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed yesterday his hope the state visit by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard of the Netherlands to the UAE would deliver a new qualitative leap in the distinguished bilateral relations, energise the joint economic and investment partnership and usher it into new sectors. Sheikh Khalifa also hoped during talks with HM Queen Beatrix at Al Mushrif Palace that the trip would further bilateral bonds of cooperation and friendship and open up new broader avenues of joint economic and investment fields for the best interest of the peoples of the two friendly countries. Sheikh Khalifa and his royal guest discussed adequate means to take joint cooperation to new heights and to tap available, promising resources for pushing this cooperation ahead for betterment of mutual interests. They also exchanged views on latest regional and international developments and topics of common concern. Sheikh Khalifa said the UAE was sincerely interested in drawing lessons from the Dutch successful development experiment through transfer of knowledge in areas of technology and industry by establishing joint investment ventures. For her part, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands said she was delighted at visiting the UAE and at meeting with His Highness President Khalifa. HM said she was also impressed with the progress the UAE is making in all walks of life, particularly in economic and civilisational renaissance, which has enabled it to occupy a prominent regional and international status thanks to the wise leadership of President Khalifa. HM added that her visit to the UAE would spur her country to explore greater opportunities for joint cooperation and partnership through ''what we sense in regards to tremendous potentials and rapid achievements in various domains''. She asserted that her trip aims to further bolster these bonds. The UAE President and the Queen Beatrix of Netherlands exchanged souvenirs. - Emirates News Agency, WAM