UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to meet Foreign Minister Valtonen

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will visit Finland on 14–15 March on the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and the United Arab Emirates.

The foreign ministers will discuss bilateral political and commercial relations between the countries, the security situation in Europe and the Middle East, and cooperation on multilateral issues.

“The Gulf countries play an important role in international politics and in easing tensions in the Middle East. The relations between the EU and the Gulf countries have also become considerably closer recently. Engaging in dialogue on common concerns and finding ways to address them is important,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen.

Like other countries in the region, the United Arab Emirates wants to diversify and modernise its economy, which is focused on the production of fossil fuels. The EU and the Gulf countries will strengthen their cooperation by utilising safe, sustainable and low-carbon technologies in energy investments and trade. Finnish businesses can offer digital services, renewable energy and circular economy solutions, health technology and cooperation in the field of education, among other things.

Minister of Foreign Affairs bin Zayed Al Nahyan will also meet with President of the Republic Alexander Stubb. Moreover, the Minister will tour the Helsinki Central Library Oodi and visit a Finnish school with Minister Wille Rydman.