Rulers invited to Canada to boost ties with UAE

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed have accepted invitations to visit Canada as part of a process to strengthen links between the two nations.

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ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has accepted an invitation to visit Canada.

He will be joined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Their visit will be part of efforts to build closer ties between the two countries, said a joint statement from Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister, who is visiting Canada, and John Baird, his Canadian counterpart.

The opening of a UAE consulate in Toronto on Wednesday, its second in North America, will also strengthen links between the business communities of the two nations.

The visit will mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Christy Clark, the Premier of British Columbia, welcomed Sheikh Abdullah’s delegation.

She said his visit would further develop bilateral relations, according to Wam, the state news agency.

The pair discussed investment in gas, renewable energy, hosting international exhibitions and exchange of experiences which would improve opportunities and boost cooperations.

There were also talks on investment opportunities in ports and transport and sessions on liquefied natural gas. Sheikh Abdullah stressed that the UAE economy is keen on diversifying its services and looked forward to new opportunities.

The country’s national carriers, airports and DP World were playing an important role in making the UAE an attractive environment for tourists and investments, he said.

The current areas of cooperation include sectors such as research, development and food security.

Canadian officials acknowledged the UAE as one of the key investors in their country and said they viewed the Emirates as the gateway to a new world of promising opportunities.

Both countries launched a Shared Strategic Agenda process last year that is reviewed every six months. This helped set targets and pursue shared goals of enhancing economic prosperity, strengthen regional and international security and cooperation on development objectives in third countries, according to the joint statement issued in Canada.

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