Sweden's King visits scouts

ABU DHABI // King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, here for several days to enhance communication with the Emirates Scout Association and to increase academic co-operation with the UAE, was welcomed yesterday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the nation's Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Over the last few days he has been visiting dignitaries to discuss educational, economic and bilateral ties. Last night, at a garden party at the villa residence of Sweden's ambassador in Abu Dhabi, the king said his impressions of the Emirates were good.

"I am understanding the country more and more," he said. "It is important to see the place with my own eyes." He added that he was "worried about the economic situation in the rest of the world". The event was also attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. On Friday, Sheikh Nahyan received the king at his palace in Al Bateen. Also present was Abdul Rahman Mohammed al Owais, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development. The parties discussed starting joint educational programmes and scientific conferences, according to the state news agency WAM.

Earlier that day, King Gustaf visited youngsters at the Sharjah Scout Mission. He praised the young scouts on the quality of their camp and for their slogan, "tomorrow will be better", WAM reported. The king is honorary chairman of the World Scout Foundation and has also been discussing ways to enhance communication with the Emirates Scout Association. aseaman@thenational.ae