Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed meets Australian Prime Minister

Canberra-- Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, on Thursday received HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister.

Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith was also present on the occasion.

Sheikh Abdullah conveyed greetings of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the Australian Prime Minister.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways of strengthening them in various fields besides encouraging investments and advanced industrial projects of common interest.

Sheikh Abdullah assured the importance of exchanging such visits to support bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

On the other hand, Australia's Prime Minister conveyed greetings to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and praised UAE for providing an investment friendly environment that helped in attracting business and international investment projects, that made the UAE a trade and financial hub and a destination for world markets and companies.

Sheikh Abdullah also met a number of Australia's senior officials and discussed with them ways of strengthening relations between the two countries in various fields.

Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs hails Relations between UAE and Australia

Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith MP said that UAE Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Australia represents a significant milestone in Australia-UAE relations. This is Sheikh Abdullah's first visit to Australia.

The Australian minister said that UAE's strong economic growth has created significant business opportunities and resulted in substantial commercial ties with Australia.

"The UAE is Australia's largest merchandise trading partner in the Middle East", Smith MP noted.

The minister had held bilateral talks with Sheikh Abdullah in Canberra on Wednesday 3 February and will accompany him on his calls in Sydney on Friday 5 February.

"Sheikh Abdullah's visit comes at a time when relations between our two countries have never been stronger", said Smith MP.

"The UAE is a country of strategic importance and influence in the Gulf region. We exchange perspectives on regional and global issues and share a commitment to stability in the Middle East".

I look forward to discussing with Sheikh Abdullah recent developments in the region, said the minister.

He added that Australia thanks the UAE for hosting ADF elements, including the Australian National Headquarters for the Middle East.

"This support contributes materially towards international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden and providing maritime security in the region", he said.

The minister noted that UAE is playing a growing role in renewable energy.

Australia supported the recent decision by the international community to locate the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi.

"Australia looks forward to further cooperation with the UAE on renewable energy and climate change issues", he said.

He also said that Australia is working with the UAE and other Gulf countries to conclude an Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will further expand trade and investment opportunities.

The minister noted that during his visit to the UAE in March 2009, both the sides agreed to establish regular bilateral consular dialogue between Australia and the UAE.

UAE and Australia sign MoU

UAE and Australia signed during the visit a Memorandum of Understanding on Consular Affairs

Over 15,000 Australians are living and working in the UAE and more than 600 Australian companies do business there.

"Given these strong people to people links, and important business and investment links, it is important that we cooperate closely on consular matters", said the Australian minister.

The MOU will provide a framework for consular officials to meet annually and exchange information.

Today both the ministers will meet again at the second Australia-UAE Dialogue at Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains. The second Dialogue hosted by the Lowy Institute follows the inaugural Dialogue the ministers of both countries attended in Abu Dhabi in March 2009.

"The Dialogue will bring together eminent Australians and Emiratis from all sectors to generate fresh ideas for bilateral cooperation, forge new personal connections between our two countries and discuss common challenges". Stephen Smith MP said.

Sheikh Khalifa confers former Australian Ambassador with First Class Independence Medal

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred HE Jeremy Bruer, Former Australian Ambassador with UAE's First Class Independence Medal in appreciation of the services during his tenure to strengthen relations between the two countries.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister presented the medal to the former Australian Ambassador yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Canberra, Australia.

HE Jeremy Bruer expressed his profound gratitude to President HH Sheikh Khalifa and praised his wise leadership.