UAE President, Dutch PM discuss bilateral relations

The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and strategic cooperation between their countries.

The two leaders also reviewed various regional and international developments during a meeting at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.

The talks focused on opportunities in the investment, economic, educational, cultural, technology and science fields, as well as renewable energy, sustainable development and climate action.

The meeting also touched on the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), which the UAE will host later this year, with the two sides emphasising their commitment to achieve outcomes that represent a significant breakthrough in international climate action.

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

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

He noted that non-oil trade exchange reached $4.6 billion last year, with a growth rate of 7.2 per cent compared to 2021.

His Highness highlighted that there are approximately 350 Dutch companies operating in the UAE in key sectors, and the Emirates is one of the Netherlands’ most important trading partners in the Arab world.

Rutte thanked Sheikh Mohamed for the warm reception, and emphasised his country's keenness to strengthen cooperation with the UAE.

He also added 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.