Emirates' envoy is welcomed by foreign minister of Spain

Spain's foreign minister has welcomed Dr Hissa al Otaiba, the new UAE ambassador to Madrid and one of the country's first two female ambassadors. Miguel Ángel Moratinos wished Dr al Otaiba success in her mission during a brief meeting last week and "expressed his readiness to accord complete co-operation and assistance to her to discharge her duty", according to the state news agency, WAM.

Mr Moratinos told the ambassador there was a need for closer economic co-operation between Spain and the UAE, and for a direct airline connection between the two countries. Dr Otaiba was appointed ambassador in September, along with Najlaa Mohammad Salem al Qasimi, the new UAE ambassador to Sweden and the other female ambassador. Ms al Qasimi presented her credentials to King Gustav of Sweden last month.

Dr Otaiba arrived in Madrid on Oct 31 and began her diplomatic duties on Nov 3. She is a career diplomat who speaks English, French, Portuguese and Spanish as well as Arabic. A delegation led by Abdul Aziz al Ghurair, the speaker of the Federal National Council, visited Spain this year on a tour to build relationships between the UAE and European countries. mbradley@thenational.ae