Abu dhabi: Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), reaffirmed the UAE's commitment, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Germany and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ghobash made the remarks during a meeting with Omid Nouripour, Vice-President of the German Bundestag, where they discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation in line with the UAE-Germany Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting held particular significance as it coincided with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's state visit to Germany, emphasizing that parliamentary cooperation should keep pace with the growing bilateral partnership.
Ghobash highlighted that UAE-German diplomatic relations date back to 1972 and evolved into a strategic partnership in 2004, encompassing energy, climate, economy, and education. He noted that the President's state visit offered an opportunity to explore new avenues for cooperation and deepen the partnership.
During the meeting, Ghobash handed Nouripour a letter addressed to Julia Kl¶ckner, President of the German Bundestag, proposing the launch of a UAE-German parliamentary dialogue on energy, technology, and future industries. The initiative would bring together specialised committees from both parliaments to exchange expertise and develop cooperation in priority areas, including energy, artificial intelligence, and future industries.
Ghobash also called for stronger coordination between the FNC and Bundestag at international parliamentary forums, particularly the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and encouraged greater consultation on regional and international issues of common concern. He expressed the UAE's appreciation for Germany's support for the security and stability of the UAE and the region and stressed the importance of safeguarding international waterways and freedom of navigation, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, due to their significance to global energy security, trade, and supply chains.
Ghobash reiterated the UAE's commitment to de-escalation, regional security and stability, respect for state sovereignty and international law, and diplomatic dialogue to address crises. The discussions also covered the expansion of economic cooperation in future-oriented sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced technology, clean energy, advanced industries, research, and innovation.
Nouripour praised the strategic relationship between Germany and the UAE and welcomed the proposed parliamentary dialogue initiative. He acknowledged that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's visit to the German parliament underscored the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening dialogue and bilateral relations.