DUBAI: Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, stressed that the UAE and Portugal have distinguished historic bonds based on understanding, mutual respect and keen interest in developing relations in a way that reflects aspirations, interests and directives of leaders in both countries.
Sheikh Abdullah made the remark on Monday, while heading the UAE side during the 2nd UAE- Portuguese Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting. The Portuguese side was chaired by Paulo Portas, Deputy Prime Minister of Portugal.
The UAE Foreign Minister expressed his pleasure at attending the meetings in Lisbon. He added that he had met the Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister and discussed with him a number of regional issues and international challenges.
“There are similarities in views between the UAE and Portugal regarding the situation in the region,” Sheikh Abdullah said, calling for focusing on the food security and introduction of a third party besides the UAE and Portugal to acquire more experience and knowledge.
He praised the agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed by the two sides, on Monday, to support and develop bilateral co-operation.
The UAE Foreign Minister thanked the heads and members of the preparatory committee for their diligence in making the meeting a success, as well as the follow-up of the joint committee’s work and implementation of resolutions. He thanked Portas for Portugal’s hosting of the meeting.
The Portuguese Prime Minister welcomed Sheikh Abdullah and the delegation accompanying him. Portas commended the efforts of the two delegations towards make the meeting a success. He welcomed the signing of a number of agreements and MoUs to strengthen bilateral relations.
