UAE, Canada discuss cooperation

Abu Dhabi (WAM): Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Co-operation, has discussed enhancement of relations, cooperation ties and ways to bolster between the two countries in various developmental, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields in the international arena. The remarks were made when Sheikha Lubna received at the Ministry's headquarters, Dr. Eric Hoskins, MPP '&' Minister of Economic Development, Trade '&' Employment, Ontario, which is deemed one of the biggest provinces in Canada. Arif Lalani, Canadian Ambassador to the UAE attended the meeting. During the meeting, Sheikha Lubna affirmed that the UAE welcomes enhancing of cooperation ties with Canada in the light of partnership and mutual interest between the two countries. She also called tourist companies and delegations in Ontario to intensify their visits to the UAE and participate in the multiple exhibitions held in the UAE, especially following the UAE's success to be a global trade hub, which avails access to the markets of the Middle East, Asia and Africa, due to its strategic geographical location as a vital gateway to the international trade in addition to being an international tourist destination. Sheikha Lubna said that there are great opportunities to enhance joint interest and ties between the UAE and Canada in general and Ontario in particular. She also reviewed the UAE's efforts to support the international, humanitarian development, providing grants and developmental assistance for developing countries and poor communities, especially in the humanitarian field in Syrian. On his part, Eric Hoskins praised the immense successes that have been achieved by the UAE in various domains, particularly transforming into an economic and investment gateway for countries that seek investment in the Middle East Area and other neighbouring countries. He also pointed out that his country's adoption of a trade strategy by focussing on the Middle East markets, benefiting from the potential and geographic location of the UAE. The Canadian Minister also expressed his appreciation to the UAE efforts to provide developmental and humanitarian aid, stressing his country's role in providing support and response to the humanitarian crisis in various areas in the world. He said his country would participate in the coming edition of Dubai International Humanitarian Aid '&' Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) in the UAE this year. A number of officials attended the meeting. – Emirates News Agency, WAM