UAE and South Africa to boost trade and investment

Abu Dhabi, Nov 15, 2011 (WAM) - His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and visiting South African President Jacob Zuma discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance joint action on economy, investment, food security, advanced technology. The discussions took place at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, where President Zuma who started a 2-day official visit to the UAE was received by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed. Ways to increase trade between the UAE and South Africa through encouraging businesses to tap investments opportunities in both countries were also discussed by the two sides at the meeting which was attended by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade and head of the honorary mission accompanying Zuma, and Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed and President Zuma also exchanged views on the developments in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa as well as matters of mutual concern. Welcoming President Zuma, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed reiterated the interest of the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in expanding cooperation and strengthening their friendly ties in a way that reflects the aspirations of both countries for strategic partnership in all areas. He also expressed best wishes of incessant progress and prosperity for South Africa. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed described Zuma's visit as a new and significant step in promoting the unique relations between the UAE and South Africa. He underlined the exchange of visits by senior officials for bolstering relations between the two countries as well as benefiting from the their strategic locations and the big potentials. For his part, President Zuma expressed gladness at visiting the UAE and expressed admiration at the progress the country made in all spheres, President Zuma stressed his country's interest in enhancing bilateral relations with the UAE which he said his government gives special attention due to its unique stature. - Emirates News Agency, WAM