European Commission President Meets UAE President In Abu Dhabi

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Abu Dhabi for an official trip where she is meeting the top officials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The EU and Gulf states have a long-term trade and investment relationship.

This visit primarily focuses on strengthening bilateral relations between the European Union (EU) and the UAE, with a particular emphasis on the upcoming COP28 climate conference, which the UAE is set to preside over. 

During her visit, von der Leyen will discuss various aspects of cooperation, including trade, investment, energy security, regional stability, humanitarian efforts, human rights, and institutional collaboration. 

This multi-faceted approach aims to deepen ties between the EU and the UAE across various domains.

Luigi Di Maio, the EU’s special representative to the Gulf, is also concurrently visiting the UAE to engage with top officials. 

His visit aligns with the EU’s strategic partnership with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, seeking closer ties and cooperation.

In a recent meeting between Di Maio and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussions covered economic, trade, investment, energy, and climate cooperation, emphasizing the strong relationship between the UAE and EU nations.

Moreover, the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with Ursula von der Leyen, and they discussed potential collaborations between the UAE and the European Union. 

The conversation encompassed global and regional developments and highlighted the forthcoming COP28 climate conference, to be hosted by the UAE.

This visit underscores the EU’s commitment to building closer partnerships with Gulf countries and the UAE’s significant role in addressing shared global challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and international collaboration.

The EU and Gulf states have had a strong trade and investment relationship over the years, and now they are looking to expand cooperation in several areas, including trade, the green transition, energy security, regional stability, humanitarian issues, reform, and human rights.

In addition to von der Leyen’s visit, Luigi Di Maio, the EU’s special representative to the Gulf, is also in the UAE for a three-day visit to meet with top UAE officials. 

This visit is part of the EU’s strategic partnership with Gulf countries, aimed at strengthening ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the EU.