Juan David Latorre
Last Wednesday a reception was held on the occasion of the 51st National Day of the United Arab Emirates, hosted by the UAE Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy, Sara Al Mahri.
After highlighting the progress in diplomatic relations between the UAE and Spain, Sara Al Mahri expressed “the importance” of the visit of the Spanish President, Pedro Sánchez to Dubai. “A visit, she said, which has resulted in the signing of nine memorandums concerning many sectors, such as advanced technologies, cybersecurity and the renewal of the forms of promotion and investment between the two countries. The UAE shares a deep, strong and special relationship with Spain.”
“This year’s Emirates National Day brings with it a very special occasion for us, noted the Emirati representative. Today we are proud that the Emirates will take on the biggest global responsibility in its history as we prepare to host the UN climate negotiations in Dubai in December 2023. In the Emirati DNA is the responsibility to be good stewards of our environment and protect our planet for future generations. At COP 28, which will be held in the Emirates next year, we intend to bring everyone together to build bridges highlighting that what unites us is far more important and relevant than what divides us. We want to promote the clean energy transition and leave no country or community behind. We aim to work with our efforts around the world, and with Spain in particular, to make COP28 a major turning point for global climate progress.”
“Women have a pivotal role to play in the Emirates’ path for the next 50 years, Sara Al Mahri continued. The Emirati government has a long track record of shielding all kinds of support for women, not only locally but also globally. In the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs almost 50% of the employees are women. On the same level we support the dreams of Emirati youth to be part of the business sector and establish free high-tech companies that can compete internationally.”
She ended her speech the Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy by stating that “culture is also part of our DNA and having culture for us means building bridges of understanding between nations. In the next 50 years we are confident that the UAE will be a pioneering nation in crucial sectors such as sustainable energy development, technological sciences, humanitarian aid and international development. This is the path we are taking as a country that looks to the future, a future that we are delighted to share with a partner country such as Spain.
The reception was attended by numerous ambassadors, including those of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Slovenia, Moldova, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Israel, Ghana, Austria, India and Armenia, among others. Alberto Ucelay, Director General for the Maghreb, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, was present on representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
