UAE relations with Canada 'excellent', says foreign minister

The UAE has "strong and excellent" relations with Canada and is a main hub for trade in the region, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said in Ottawa.

The UAE's investments in Canada total around US$10 billion (Dh36.7 billion), he said, during a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart John Baird, in which he "thanked the Canadian Minister for his keen efforts to further strengthen his country's relations", according to state news agency Wam.

"Having more trade between the UAE and Canada, and using the UAE as a hub, is beneficial for both countries," he said.

The meeting in Ottawa signalled a warming of relations after a diplomatic spat over landing rights in Canada for UAE airlines. Talks failed in 2010 after Canada was refused a renewed lease on its military base in the UAE.

The two countries also announced this week that they have begun negotiations for a nuclear co-operation agreement.

Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE hoped Canada would become to become a main supplier for the four nuclear reactors that the UAE is building. He said both parties hoped the nuclear co-operation agreement would be concluded "very soon".

newsdesk@thenational.ae