VP, Spanish PM discuss ways to expand collaboration

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday met with Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, at Expo 2020 Dubai. The meeting was held in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Spain and prospects of enhancing cooperation in various fields, especially business and investment. The meeting also explored new avenues to share expertise in various sectors for the benefit of the people of the two nations.

The two leaders also discussed a number of regional and global topics of mutual interest, and global efforts to accelerate economic recovery.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed commended the deep historical ties between the UAE and Spain, and the country’s keenness to further strengthen bilateral relations. He noted that the two countries have a shared desire to expand cooperation and benefit from each other’s expertise and knowledge in various fields, particularly future industries.

His Highness said that Spain’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai provides an opportunity to explore prospects for expanding collaboration, mainly in economic and technological fields, as well as enhance cultural and knowledge exchange.

Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the UAE’s keenness to provide a conducive environment for investments as part of its economic approach that is based on openness, which is a key pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed Spain’s desire to further strengthen bilateral relations in the years ahead. He also highlighted the positive and influential role played by the UAE both regionally and globally and praised its unique development model.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; and Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with other senior officials from both nations.

Sheikh Mohammed and the Prime Minister of Spain also attended the signing of several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in diverse areas including industry, technology, climate change, education, health and information security.

The agreements included an MoU to promote collaboration, which was signed by Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and José Manuel Albares Bueno, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology, and María Reyes Maroto Illera, Spain’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, also signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of industry and advanced technologies.

Another MoU on climate action was signed by Mariam Bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb AlMeheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and José Manuel Albares Bueno.

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation also signed several agreements which included: an MoU on higher education, signed by Hussain Bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE’s Minister of Education; an MoU in the field of health and a joint declaration of intent, both signed by AbdulRahman Bin Mohamed Al Owais, UAE’s Minister of Health and Prevention; an annex to an MoU signed on the visiting teacher programme for Spanish language teaching, signed by Jameela Bint Salem Mesbeh Al Muhairi, UAE’s Minister of State for Public Education; and an MoU on cybersecurity, signed by Dr Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the Cyber Security Council.

Another MoU between the Spanish Government and Mubadala Investment was signed by Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at Mubadala Investment Company.

There are more than 200 Spanish companies operating across various sectors in the UAE. The volume of trade between the two countries has exceeded more than Dhs7.7 billion.

Earlier in the day, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain will develop strategic partnership with the UAE to contribute to the regional and global stability and prosperity.

“We feel here a deep connection with the United Arab Emirates, as we celebrate your 50th Anniversary. The vision of your leadership is delivering modernisation and progress to your people and to the region, at a pace never seen before,” the visiting Prime Minister said in his speech at Spanish National Day celebrations at the Spanish Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday.

“We will develop now a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates, to contribute to regional and global stability and prosperity, to foster human rights for women and men everywhere, to participate in multilateral efforts to face shared challenges such as climate change,” he affirmed.

Spain, UAE cooperation for global vaccination Pointing out the urgent priority to overcome the global pandemic, Sanchez cited both Spain and the UAE’s successful vaccination campaigns that have become international models.

“The success of Expo Dubai under these circumstances, and our very presence here today, illustrates the importance of safe mobility, internally and also internationally. This is also a concept that Spain and the Emirates have pioneered together,” he emphasised.

The Prime Minister said international solidarity to fight COVID-19 is a moral duty as well as a practical need for all, adding that Spain has pledged to offer over 50 million vaccines, with a particular focus on Latin America and Africa.

He said both Spain and the UAE will continue to walk hand in hand in this global effort.

Expo as a turning point in history: Talking about the Expo 2020 Dubai, Sanchez said the global event is a window open to the future, in a moment that represents a turning point in the history of humankind.

“The Spain pavilion represents the commitment, our commitment to develop a new and decisive modernisation of our country, based on progress, well-being and a sustainable and fair recovery for all.” As the post-pandemic economic recovery gathers pace, Spain and the UAE will also continue to collaborate, he affirmed.

“We want to expand job and investment opportunities, and develop joint projects. We are proud to have 200 of our best companies here, and a growing Spanish community of professionals, scientists, athletes and more in the UAE.”

The Spanish economy is projected to grow above the EU average in the coming years, the Prime Minister said.

“Coupled with a robust legal and institutional framework, we are attracting more and more Emirati and international investments. Our pavilion also invites more joint Spanish-Emirati efforts, together with other nations of the world, in areas very important for us such as education and science.” The spirit of this World Expo in Dubai, which mirrors so closely the genius and the wonders of the United Arab Emirates, is set to endure, he added.

Later speaking at a press conference at the Spanish Pavilion, the Prime Minister said, “I am impressed by the magnificence of the organisation of the Expo 2020 during a very challenging and very difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19. The main theme of the Expo is a very interesting proposal that speaks about global cooperation, opportunities, mobility and sustainability, which are the main global challenges that we have after the COVID-19.”

Strengthening multilateralism: Talking about the relevance of multilateralism at international arena, the Prime Minister said, “It is important nowadays more than ever to strengthen our multilateral system, our multilateral framework and to respect international law and to create spaces of dialogue.” He cited Expo 2020 Dubai as an example for a multilateral platform.

“And I think that with the two universal cultures and two universal languages such as the Arabic and Spanish, we can provide positive insights to these very challenging moments,” Sanchez said at the press conference.