Mohammed bin Rashid receives Spanish Prime Minister

Abu Dhabi, March 2, 2011 (WAM) - Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received in Dubai yesterday at Zabeel Palace in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Zapatero and the delegation accompanying, hoping that the visit would further expand horizons of active trade exchange, tourism and cultural ties at the level of private and public sectors.
They discussed during the meeting the bilateral relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Spain, and ways to boost them, especially in the areas of tourism, trade and culture. Sheikh Mohammed and Zapatero also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Arab region, and how best to bolster peace and stability at the regional and international levels.
On his part, Zapatero said his visit to the UAE would open up new cooperation avenues, referring to prosperous tourism sector in the UAE and Spain due to the wise policies of the governments and leadership in both countries. He also cited over 30, 000 Spanish visitors visit the UAE annually, and 150 Spanish Companies operate in the UAE.
The Spanish Prime Minister noted that the tourism and trade could further grow in the light of Emirates flights to Spain and the facilities being provided by the UAE government to businesspersons and tourists, besides the historic and cultural links between Spain and Arab people in general and the UAE people in particular.
He referred to the fast economic growth being experienced by the UAE due to the laws and wise polices adopted by the leadership - Emirates News Agency, WAM