Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in France
3, Rue de Lota, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: + 33 1 443 40200;
Fax: + 33 1 475 56104
E-mail : ambassade.emirates@wanadoo.fr
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THURSDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2008
Sheikh Khalifa holds talks with Egyptian President
posted on 20/11/2008
 Egyptian President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak arrived in UAE yesterday afternoon in a two-day visit.
Mubarak and the delegation were received at the Airport by President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Also present at the reception were UAE Deputy Prime Minister HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and National Security Adviser HH Sheikh Haza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the Egyptian President, alluding to the deep-rooted fraternal ties binding UAE and Egypt together, as well as their continuing cooperation in various fields.
Holding official talks at the Al Mushrif Palace, the two leaders stressed the importance of achieving a joint vision regarding all issues of the Arab and the Muslim nations. They asserted their keenness for activating the joint Arab work and coordination and mutual consultation on every issue concerning the Arabs and Muslims.
During the talks, Khalifa and Mubarak reviewed the ways for enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries for further developing the cooperation and joint coordination, especially in the fields of economy, trade and investment.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the current situations in the region, with particular emphasis on the peace process in the Middle East, and the international efforts for achieving stability and security through the resumption of the peace process in accordance with the legitimate international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The Egyptian President expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the cordial welcome and hospitality he received along with the accompanying delegation. Mubarak said that his talks with the President were constructive and positive as they reflected the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries.
The Egyptian President hailed the position UAE has achieved, and the civilisational transformation that is evident in all avenues. This, he said, has made UAE a major economic power on the regional and global levels.
The President hosted a banquet lunch in honour of the Egyptian President and the accompanying delegation. The banquet was attended by Sheikhs, ministers and senior state officials. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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United States - United Arab Emirates issue Joint Statement
posted on 20/11/2008
 The United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have an enduring partnership and share a common vision for a secure, stable, and prosperous Middle East, a joint US-UAE statement has said.
'They share a belief in peace, respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, and a belief that religious tolerance and moderation will prevail over violence and extremism. It is these commonly held tenets that have brought the United States and the UAE to a new level of friendship and cooperation,' added the statement which issued following talks held recently between US President George W Bush and H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Our two nations have enjoyed close relations since the UAE's federation that have grown stronger in recent times. The United States and the UAE collaborate as like-minded partners on regional issues such as the Arab-Israeli peace process, ensuring peace and stability in Lebanon, and supporting Iraq's increasing engagement with its neighbors. The United States and UAE also work closely to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, and to strengthen the economy of Pakistan.
The United States and UAE are allies and partners in the continuing struggle against terror and extremism. The UAE provides the U.S. and Coalition forces access to its ports and territory and other critical and important logistical assistance. The UAE and the United States continue to work together to undercut the violent ideology used to justify extremism and prevent terrorist attacks against our people and common interests and the terrorist financing that supports terrorist organizations. The UAE also enhances global security by actively participating in various initiatives to counter illicit shipments of dangerous goods and materials. The United States and the UAE share a deep concern over the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems, and related materials, as well as WMD financing, and reaffirm the importance for all nations to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and cooperate with the IAEA.
The UAE has played a positive role in advancing democratic reforms in the region and has helped lead the Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative, including hosting the Forum for the Future in 2008. Ongoing efforts to increase cooperation in the fields of education and cultural exchange will not only deepen our bilateral relationship, but also promote shared values of tolerance and moderation throughout our societies.
In the area of human rights, the United States and UAE share a common purpose in the fight against human trafficking, in expanding opportunities for women, and in improving standards for workers. The U.S. continues to work with the UAE as it reforms its education system so that UAE students can lead lives as life-long learners and responsible citizens in a global society.
The UAE and the United States continue to work closely together in assuring the stability and security of energy supplies and their unhindered transit through international waterways. The United States recognizes that the UAE has been a responsible and reliable supplier of energy to world markets, with the sustained involvement of US companies in the UAE oil and gas industry for more than forty years. This cooperation has increased transparency in the energy sector and promoted investment and exploration. The UAE also welcomes greater U.S. participation in its significant efforts to become a leader in alternative energy research and development.
The United States welcomes the UAE's decision to pursue the development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The UAE has committed to complete operational transparency and to pursuing the highest standards of non-proliferation safety and security. The United States and the UAE have recognized their partnership in this important effort through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on April 21, 2008, and the pursuit of an Agreement Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
The United States and the United Arab Emirates reaffirm the importance of collaboration on international financial, trade, and investment issues. With the UAE having been the top Arab destination for U.S. exports in 2007, U.S.-UAE commercial ties represent a key component of the bilateral relationship which we hope to strengthen further. Investors from the UAE have been responsible and reliable investors in the United States for more than thirty years. Investors from the United States have been welcome in the UAE for as long. Both countries reaffirm our common interest in an open and stable international financial system, and to maintaining the free flow of cross-border investment. Investments should be made on the basis of economic and financial risk and return-related considerations. Recipient countries should ensure predictable investment frameworks. Both countries welcome the work of the International Working Group of Sovereign Wealth Funds and the OECD to establish multilateral frameworks for positive interaction between Sovereign Wealth Funds and recipient countries.
The United States and UAE also wish to highlight the close and expanding cultural and educational ties between the two countries. The U.S. Department of Education and the UAE Ministry of Education have formally established a direct relationship. The UAE participates in International Visitor Programs and the United States and the UAE exchange Fulbright scholars. Major U.S. higher education, health care and arts institutions are involved in initiatives in the UAE. UAE student enrollment in U.S. universities continues to grow. The UAE looks forward to opportunities joint R'&'D in the area of education.
The United States and the United Arab Emirates continue to explore the benefits of increased engagement by regular meetings at the Ministerial-level, chaired by the Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State. These meetings would provide an opportunity to exchange views on security cooperation, regional political issues, and the common interests they increasingly share. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Lubna, Spanish Minister discuss relations
posted on 20/11/2008
 UAE Foreign Trade Minister HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, met yesterday with Spanish's Catalonia region Trade Minister Joseph Hogat, who is visiting the country accompanied by Spanish business persons, representing tourist, health, investment and financial sectors to explore cooperation between the UAE and Catalonia region.
Sheikha Lubna referred to the distinguished relations between the two countries in presence of Spanish Ambassador to UAE Manuel Pineiro, citing the historic visit paid by King of Spain to the UAE last year, the visit that pushed for the stronger relations between the two countries in different fields.
She underlined the need for promoting the relations, particularly in the areas of air transport and investment to further achieve commercial, economic and tourist growth, indicating that the government encourages public sector to invest in infrastructure fields such as airports, electricity, water and communications. She added that the government also encourages the public sector to privatise too.
The Spanish official expressed interest to boost cooperation between the UAE companies with their Spanish counterparts, adding that Catalonia is known for its foreign investments. He added that the Spanish businesspersons will visit important sectors such as health, tourism, aviation and investment at local and federal levels ahead of forging joint and effective cooperation between the two sides. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE to participate in Ozone Layer protection conference
posted on 20/11/2008
 UAE is participating in the Eighth Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 20th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which are being held simultaneously in Doha, Qatar.
UAE's official delegation to the conference is headed by Minister of Environment and Water HE Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahd.
The minister said that the two conferences will discuss a number of pertinent issues related to the protection of the ozone layer from depletion.
The discussions will also focus on the replenishment of the multi-party fund allocated for financing project related to the elimination of substances that deplete the ozone layer for the period from 2009 to 2011.
Over 150 countries are participating in the conferences with official delegations. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE envoys present credentials
posted on 20/11/2008
New ambassadors of UAE presented their credentials yesterday to the officials of the respective countries.
In New Delhi, UAE's new ambassador to India presented his credentials to the President of India Pratibha Patil.
In Ankara, the new UAE ambassador to Turkey Khalid Khalifa Al Mualla presented his credentials to the Assistant Undersecretary of the Turkish Foreign Ministry Faridun Oglo.
Abdullah Matar Al Mazrouei, UAE Ambassador to Yemen, submitted his credentials to Dr Abu Bakr Abdullah Al Qurbi, Yemeni Foreign Minister.
In Dakar, Hamad Saeed Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador-designate to Senegal presented his credentials to President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE offers US$550 mn for reconstruction of Afghanistan
posted on 20/11/2008
The UAE has pledged US$ 550 million for reconstruction and stability of Afghanistan from 2002 up to October 2008, a UAE official said yesterday.
Assistant Undersecretary of UAE Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs Dr Tariq Al Haidan told delegates at the International Conference on Return and Reintegration of Afghan Refugees that the economic aid and humanitarian assistance, which covered divers sectors as infrastructure, health, education and defence, underlines the support lent by the government of UAE for reconstruction and development in Afghanistan.
He added that UAE humanitarian and relief agencies had also financed a series of projects, the most important of them were the Sheikh Zayed University in Kabul, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid City in Kandahar, an orphanage and a psychiatric hospital.
'While participating in this conference, the UAE underscore its determination to support international efforts for reconstruction of Afghanistan and return of refugees,' he stressed.
According to UNHCR, more than 5 million Afghan refugees - 20 percent of Afghanistan's population - have returned home since 2002. The large majority has gone back to their areas of origin, but recent returnees are facing more difficulties as the country's absorption capacity reaches its current limits. Some - including 30,000 returnees now living under tents in the eastern region - are unable to return to their villages due to insecurity, a lack of land, shelter, basic services or job opportunities. These challenges have been compounded by a food crisis and severe drought, forcing thousands of desperate families to leave their homes for other districts, even for neighboring Iran and Pakistan. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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ADFD offers 3.3m Euro grant to Comoros
posted on 20/11/2008
 Abu Dhabi fund for Development has offered a 3.3 million Euro grant to Comoros to help renovate a hospital, with possibility of financing some road projects in that country.
Mohammed Safi Al Kuwaiti, acting Director General of the ADFD met today with Siti Kassim, Comoros' Minister of State, In-charge of health, solidarity, and women '&' children affairs.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations in development affairs. Al Suwaidi said the ADFD will study and evaluate the proposed road projects in Comoros. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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MBRF launches Scholarship Programme for Arab countries
posted on 20/11/2008
 A delegation from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation is in Jordan to promote its "Pioneers" and "Fellows" programmes, aimed at encouraging aspiring Arab youth to explore opportunities for postgraduate studies in leading global and regional universities.
Sultan Al Jasmi, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Foundation, held a press conference on Tuesday to launch the programme in Jordan, one of 14 Arab countries to benefit from programme and the first leg of a roadshow that will also cover Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE.
The tour comes close on the heels of the delegation's visit to the US where cooperation opportunities were discussed with 10 leading universities to enhance educational opportunities in the Arab world through capacity building, education and training.
Launched last April, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Pioneers Programme extends the necessary financial support to talented Arab youth seeking to acquire Masters Degrees at leading universities in the Arab world.
Through the Fellows Programme, launched last year, the Foundation has opened new horizons for aspiring Arab students to obtain postgraduate degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP) and Finance from top tier international universities.
Through its partnerships with leading regional and international universities, the Foundation aims to create a pool of talented and knowledgeable young leaders who can efficiently steer development efforts in the region. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Dubai sets up financial panel
posted on 20/11/2008
Dubai has set up a supreme financial committee to deal with its sovereign debt as well as challenges arising from the global financial crisis, a senior official said yesterday.
Nasser Al Sheikh, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Finance, said the committee was established about eight weeks ago and would look at the various challenges posed by the crisis, including Dubai's debt issues.
At a bankers' lunch organised by the UAE Bankers Forum he said Dubai still had a very strong credit position. "Many recent reports were confusing about the sovereign debt of Dubai, debt of government-owned companies, debt of government-controlled companies and the debt of private companies. They were calculating all these against Dubai's GDP," said Al Sheikh, adding: "Even if we accept this situation, they are also ignoring Dubai's sovereign assets, which will be several times more than this total debt."
He said: "The committee is studying different categories of Dubai's debt and will be dealing with sovereign debt, and the debt of government-owned and government-controlled companies. We will not be involved in the debt of private companies."
However, he said Dubai's government would be ready to support any local company that may need help to refinance its debt.
Al Sheikh said the committee would give its recommendations on ways to handle the financial crisis to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of the Committee and also Chairman of Emaar Properties, is expected to reveal details of the committee's work next week.
Other members of the committee include Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Mohammed Al Shaibani, Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank, and Essa Kazim, Chairman of Borse Dubai.
Al Sheikh also refuted news that a global panel will advise Dubai regarding its debt. "There is only one committee – a local one. We are talking with bankers, credit rating agencies and the federal government, because there are some issues that Dubai cannot solve alone – such as in the banking and financial sector, which is supervised by the federal Central Bank." – Emirates Business
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New law to regulate capital's real estate sector
posted on 20/11/2008
 The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs has finalised a draft law to regulate the real estate market as well as land transactions in the emirate.
Dr Abdullah Ghareeb, the department's Executive Director for Property Management, said the new law will be referred to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council before the end of the year.
The law sets rules and regulations for real estate developers, contractors and brokers. It also includes rules pertaining to off-plan sales, licensing of high-rise residential buildings and property registration. Moreover, it seeks to end harmful speculation in the emirate, according to Ghareeb.
Speaking to Emirates Business, he said the department is about to draft more laws on real estate and contracting as a response to the construction revival in Abu Dhabi. An important suggestion it will make to the Executive Council will deal with the setting up of an authority for the real estate and land sector, which will be responsible for all registration, construction, licensing, sales and purchases.
The department has worked on the draft law for some eight months now and has based it on the experiences of other emirates and countries, Ghareeb said. Meetings were also held with representatives of government and private bodies concerned with real estate development.
The department has discovered several gaps in laws related to the real estate and land sector in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, some are old and do not match the realities on the ground in terms of construction developments – especially in new residential areas such as Al Reem Island, which have 80-storey towers, Ghareeb said.
He added that the Executive Council has asked the department to compile laws needed for better organisation of the real estate market, which reflect the prevailing scenario, and to suggest plans for their implementation.
Asked by Emirates Business about Abu Dhabi's need for specialised courts to hear cases in the real estate sector, Ghareeb said: "We have reservations about this idea. Besides, the emirate has recently set up economic courts that might look into real estate problems and disputes."
He said activity in the Abu Dhabi real estate market is slower than usual due to the negative effects of the global financial crisis.
However, the effects are slight and Abu Dhabi has managed to deal with them. No postponements or stoppages have occurred in new projects and work was proceeding well.
He said the inflated property prices in Abu Dhabi were gradually returning to normal and many expect inflation in the emirate to go down. Demand for real estate and land was still quite high, while supply remained limited.
The market is stable at the moment, and buyers were watching the global and local situation carefully, Ghareeb said. While prices are expected to go down, they were holding steady in developments such as Mohammed bin Zayed City and Khalifa City, and even in Abu Dhabi city proper, he added.
Ghareeb said Abu Dhabi had spent some Dh1 billion on surveys and aerial photography to make sure that the sites where new projects were located were safe.
The Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Committee was formed recently to obtain geographical data of all lands in Abu Dhabi, and managed to effect 30 to 40 per cent savings on the expenditure for surveys, according to Ghareeb. – Emirates Business
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