The International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) signed the Headquarters Agreement with the UAE on Monday. The Headquarters Agreement is an important document for Irena, as it expresses the future relationship between the Agency and the government of the host country — in this case UAE. This was announced in a press release issued by the agency. The agreement was signed by Adnan Z. Ameen, Director General of Irena, and Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The signing ceremony took place at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi. The agreement is a commitment made by the UAE to host Irena’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi and details the responsibilities and functioning of the headquarters.A previous agreement existed between the UAE and the Preparatory Commission of Irena. However, when Irena became a full-fledged agency on April 5, last year, with Abu Dhabi being designated as its permanent seat, adjustments to the text of the existing agreement became necessary to reflect the new relationship. “Today’s agreement is historic. It formalises the permanent headquarters of Irena and its relationship with the UAE. It provides a firm basis for Irena’s mission to support the rapid deployment of renewable energy as a central element for international efforts to ensure a sustainable energy future, improve standards of living and strengthen global economies,” said Ameen. Dr Gargash also recognised the importance of the signing of the agreement. “Formalising Irena’s permanent presence in Abu Dhabi is an important milestone for our country and it puts us alongside countries that host some of the world’s most respected international organisations. In much the same way that Switzerland is associated with international diplomacy, the UAE is poised to be internationally recognised as synonymous with renewable energy,” Dr Gargash said. The signing of the agreement is also significant for the region as it represents the first time that an international organisation with global membership has been headquartered in the Middle East. Irena is currently ionvolved with 158 countries. Of these, 95 are member states while 63 are signatories or applicants seeking membership. The UAE had become a member in June 2009.from Gulf news.