Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, received Dr. Anibal Cavaco Silva, President of Portugal and the delegation accompanying him.
During the meeting, attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed and the President of Portugal held official talks, which covered bilateral relations and a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.
The U.A.E. Vice President and the President of Portugal stressed on the historic ties between the U.A.E. and Portugal, and the importance of enhancing fruitful cooperation ties, forging investment partnerships and establishing stronger communications between the two countries and peoples in line with the aspirations of the leaders of the two countries. They also emphasised the need for cooperation in the areas of alternative energy and health.
Sheikh Mohammed and President Silva attended the signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent between the U.A.E. Armed Forces General Headquarters and the Portuguese Ministry of Defence, on military cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two sides. Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs signed on behalf of the U.A.E., while Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, Portuguese Minister of National Defence, signed on behalf of his country.
The U.A.E. Vice President and the President of Portugal welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent, deeming it a message for peace and love between the two countries and peoples.
Among others present were Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaiv Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works, head of the honorary mission accompanying the Portuguese delegation, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State, Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Protocol and Hospitality Department in Dubai, Najla Al Qasimi, U.A.E. Ambassador to Portugal and Jimmy Van Zeller Laitau, Portuguese Ambassador to U.A.E.
Source: WAM