Image credit: WAM

The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte in Abu Dhabi, reported state news agency WAM.

The two leaders met at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, where the UAE President welcomed Rutte and expressed his hope the visit would contribute to advancing UAE-Netherlands relations in key fields.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in the investment, economic, educational, cultural, technology, and science fields.

Today I met with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (@MinPres) to review the longstanding ties between the UAE and the Netherlands. We are keen to further strengthen these relations and harness opportunities to foster growth and progress for both our nations and our people. pic.twitter.com/45L7X2FcPj

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 26, 2023

Rutte noted that the Netherlands shares many interests with the UAE, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, green economy, renewable energy, food security, and climate action, among other fields.

UAE, Netherlands discuss COP28

The two sides also discussed renewable energy, sustainable development and climate action. Both sides noted that the UAE and Netherlands have a share interest in environmental, climate, renewable energy, and sustainability issues.

The meeting addressed the upcoming the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), which the UAE will host later this year. The two countries emphasised their joint commitment to working collectively to achieve outcomes that represent a significant breakthrough in international climate action and benefit all without exception.

His Highness pointed out that the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy builds upon its rich legacy of backing global endeavours and initiatives that champion sustainable development and global economic prosperity.

Bilateral ties

Sheikh Mohamed affirmed the strength of UAE-Netherlands relations, noting the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties last year.

He emphasised the UAE’s keenness in enhancing this cooperation in the coming period and leverage opportunities that will foster further progress for both nations.

The two countries have deep ties in vital sectors such as renewable energy, food security, technology, water, agriculture, trade, and more. The UAE President noted that non-oil trade exchange between the two countries reached $4.6bn last year, with a growth rate of 7.2 per cent compared to 2021. The UAE is one of the Netherlands’ most important trading partners in the Arab world.

He further remarked that the UAE’s strategy of economic diversification has been instrumental in supporting its economic robustness, aligning with its future vision, and enhancing its international stature and competitiveness.