DUBAI, 2nd February, 2022 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today met with Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, at Expo 2020 Dubai. The meeting was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Spain and prospects for further cooperation in various fields, especially business and investment. The meeting also explored new ways to share expertise in various sectors for the benefit of the peoples of both nations.

The two leaders also discussed a number of regional and global topics of mutual interest, and global efforts to accelerate economic recovery.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed hailed the deep historical ties between the UAE and Spain, and the country’s keenness to further strengthen bilateral relations. He noted that the two countries have a common desire to expand cooperation and benefit from each other’s expertise and knowledge in various fields, especially industries of the future.

His Highness said that Spain’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai provides an opportunity to explore prospects for expanding collaboration, mainly in the economic and technological fields, as well as enhancing cultural and cultural exchanges. of knowledge.

Sheikh Mohammed also underlined the UAE’s willingness to provide an investment-friendly environment as part of its openness-based economic approach, which is a key pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed Spain’s desire to further strengthen bilateral relations in the years to come. He also highlighted the positive and influential role played by the UAE both regionally and globally and hailed its unique development model.

The meeting was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Said Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Senior Committee of Expo 2020 from Dubai; and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as well as other senior officials from both countries.

Sheikh Mohammed and the Prime Minister of Spain also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in various fields, including industry, technology, climate change, education, health and information security.

The agreements included a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration, which was signed by Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and José Manuel Albares Bueno, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs , the European Union and Cooperation. Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technologies, and Maria Reyes Maroto Illera, Spain’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of industry and advanced technologies.

Another memorandum of understanding on climate action was signed by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and José Manuel Albares Bueno.

The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation also signed several agreements, including: a Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education, signed by Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education; a memorandum of understanding in the field of health and a joint declaration of intent, both signed by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; an annex to a signed Memorandum of Understanding on the Visiting Teacher Program for Spanish Language Teaching, signed by Jameela bint Salem Al Muheiri, Minister of State for Public Education; and a cybersecurity memorandum of understanding, signed by Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, chairman of the Cyber ​​Security Council.

Another Memorandum of Understanding between the Spanish government and Mubadala Investment was signed by Homaid Al Shimmari, Group Deputy Managing Director and Head of Social and Human Capital at Mubadala Investment Company.

There are over 200 Spanish companies operating in various sectors in the UAE. The trade volume between the two countries exceeded more than AED 7.7 billion.