Strasbourg: Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), met with Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee, and several FNC members, along with Mohamed Al Sahlawi, UAE ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting focused on strengthening economic and trade relations between the UAE and the European Union. Discussions included opportunities for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, digital economy, and supply chains. Both parties exchanged views on international economic issues and geopolitical challenges affecting the global economy.
Ghobash emphasized the UAE's view of the European Union as an important economic and strategic partner, highlighting the importance of advancing economic relations towards a free trade agreement and a comprehensive strategic partnership. He underscored that such cooperation would enhance economic stability and broaden horizons for cooperation, investment, and sustainable development for the UAE, the EU, and the region.
Ghobash also noted the UAE's role as a strategic economic and trade gateway linking Europe, Asia, and Africa, supported by its advanced infrastructure and logistics networks. This makes the UAE a reliable partner in supporting international trade, global supply chains, and market connectivity.
The meeting also addressed concerns about Iran's aggressive actions against the UAE, Gulf States, and Jordan, which have escalated tensions and undermined regional stability. Discussions covered Iran's practices and attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy supplies and international trade flows.
Both sides explored opportunities for cooperation in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and digital trade. They stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the FNC and the European Parliament to support economic, trade, and investment relations, opening new horizons for a comprehensive partnership in energy, technology, food security, supply chains, and emerging market investments.