AD CP, president of Nigeria discuss bilateral relations

ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria discussed bilateral ties across multiple sectors, and exchanged views on issues of common interest.

In a meeting held on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed President Buhari’s visit to the UAE, expressing his hope that it will contribute to furthering relations between the two countries.

 The two sides reviewed opportunities to further develop bilateral ties between the UAE and Nigeria across key sectors, particularly in the development, agricultural, and trade investment fields, to serve the best interest of the two countries and their peoples. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed said that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues to extend and diversify its relations with nations based on the principles of mutual trust, respect and cooperation, with the goal to attain the development and progress aspirations of the UAE and friendly countries, ensuring the safety, security, and stability of future generations.

Sheikh Mohamed said that the UAE is keen to support Nigeria’s development goals, and extend its bridges of effective cooperation to benefit both countries.

For his part, the President of Nigeria expressed his happiness at visiting the UAE, emphasising his country’s interest in developing joint ties that advance sustainable development for both Nigeria and the UAE. Ministers and senior officials representing the UAE and Nigeria were also present during the meeting.

On Monday Sheikh Mohamed received Chechen President, Ramzan Kadyrov. During the meeting, held at Qasr Al Bahr Majlis, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Kadyrov and shed light on the importance of cooperation with Chechnya to the best interest of the two friendly peoples.

The two leaders also addressed ways to develop cooperation across all fronts and reviewed a number of issues of mutual interest.

Sheikh Mohamed also received the President of Republic of Bolivia, Evo Morales, to expand the scope of bilateral relations. The meeting occasioned a review of the prospects for growing cooperation across various fronts, particularly in areas of investment, economy, development and tourism in addition to an array of issues of common concern.

The two leaders also exchanged views over the latest regional and international issues and affirmed their determination to continue to work for the common good of both peoples.

Also on Monday Sheikh Mohamed received at Qasr Al Bahr Majlis, a delegation of the Military and Peacekeeping Programme for Arab Women, being held in Abu Dhabi.

The programme is set to contribute to preparing women officers for the United Nations peacekeeping operations worldwide.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the participants in the programme, implemented by the Ministry of Defence at the Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School in Abu Dhabi in cooperation with General Women’s Union, GWU, and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince underlined the contributions and important role played by Arab women in serving their homeland and society.

Sheikh Mohamed added that enhancing Arab women’s skills and capabilities in peacekeeping and security fields contributes to preparing qualified Arab women cadres who play an effective role in serving their peoples and maintain regional and international security and peace. He affirmed the UAE’s keenness on contributing effectively to achieving security and stability and boosting peace, co-existence and justice globally.

In turn, the delegation extended thanks and appreciation to the UAE for hosting the programme, developing their skills and ensuring capacity building for Arab women in the security and peace missions.

The UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UN Women to develop the capabilities of Arab women in military and peacekeeping operations under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

WAM