UAE, Bahrain discuss ways to enhance ties

Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, on Sunday met with Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Bin Ali Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Ambassador of Bahrain to the UAE, at Expo 2020 Dubai.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan received a written message from Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, on the bilateral relations between the UAE and Bahrain and ways to further enhance them for the benefit of both countries. The message also included an invitation for Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed to visit Bahrain.

Sheikh Hamdan congratulated the Ambassador on Bahrain’s 50th National Day, and wished the Bahraini people continued progress and prosperity under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

The meeting was attended by Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Major General Talal Hamid Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of the State Security Department in Dubai.

Meanwhile, Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, visited the Honduras and Botswana pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The minister was briefed on economic and investment opportunities, and reviewed strategies and projects aimed at encouraging investment and business development, particularly in the fields of technology and infrastructure.

During her visit to the Honduras pavilion, designed around the theme “Learning about our country’s antiquities, culture and biodiversity”, Al Amiri viewed a comprehensive presentation on the distinctive features of the Central American country, including the architectural style of its historical cities, its stunning beaches, and its variety of tourist experiences that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the country, its picturesque nature and diverse cuisine.

She listened to an explanation of Honduras’ vision for business development and investment promotion, and the progress made by the country in enhancing the business environment in order to attract foreign investment.

In her visit to the Botswana pavilion, participating under the theme “Creating new possibilities through the right connections”, Al Amiri was briefed on the industrial opportunities offered in the southern African country, such as mining, precious stones and mineral exploitation, in addition to the sectors of innovation, technology, tourism, food, financial services. She was also introduced to Botswana’s arts and crafts, including a variety of handicrafts such as jewellery and dyes sourced from sustainable and organic and materials.

The minister also learned about the richness of Botswana’s tourism ecosystem and the existing opportunities in innovation, in particular the use of solar energy, the manufacture of hearing aids and other advanced medical devices.

Meanwhile, Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, has visited Tunisia Pavilion themed “Inspiring youth, promising future”, in the Opportunity District at Expo 2020 Dubai. The pavilion tells the story of the creativity and ingenuity of the Tunisian youth.

He was briefed on the touristic and historical attractions in Tunisia, the history of the country throughout the years, as well as prominent figures from Tunisian history. He was also informed about the Tunisian futuristic vision through a short 3D film titled ‘Tunisia 2050’, which focuses on Tunisian youth as a key national pillar for the country’s development.

During his visit, Al Hussaini stressed on the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai as a global cultural forum where people’s visions, creativity and experiences meet, especially when youth are the pivot of growth, development and leadership. He noted that the youth-centred global fair stimulates creativity and innovation aimed at investing in youth’s capabilities to build a sustainable future for countries across the world.

The UAE Minister of State was also briefed on Tunisian SMEs’ experiences in culture, tourism, technology and innovation sectors and their successful digital and technological projects, in addition to the traditional products of the Tunisian artisans.