Ljubljana, 26 June 2009 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, today paid a working visit to Ljubljana. The Minister and his host, Minister Žbogar, discussed the enhancement of bilateral cooperation.
Ministers Žbogar and Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Photo: BOBO)
The Slovenian side presented numerous activities and projects. In particular, Slovenia would like to take this opportunity to expand economic cooperation, since the United Arab Emirates are a modern and dynamic market that, despite the global economic and financial crisis, offers favourable conditions for economic investments and enhanced economic relations. Minister Al Nahyan therefore invited Slovenian companies to play a greater part in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, which are the business centres of the broader region.
Ministers Žbogar and Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Photo: BOBO)
Minister Žbogar described in further detail the possibilities for cooperation in assistance projects in Kosovo and the Western Balkans, proposed cooperation in projects with the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF), and encouraged cooperation between universities within the framework of EMUNI. He invited his guest to participate in the Bled Strategic Forum, and presented the idea of convening an international conference of small countries.
(Photo: BOBO)
The two ministers also agreed on regular political cooperation, which already began with three ministerial meetings in recent months. Minister Nahyan informed Minister Žbogar of the UAE government’s decision to accredit an ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia.
(Photo: BOBO)
The ministers also discussed current international issues, such as the situation in Iran and the Middle East peace process.
Minister Nahyan presented the UAE candidature for the seat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and assured his country’s support for Slovenia’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2012-2013.
