The UAE and Belgium hold the third round of political consultations in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, February 25 / WAM / The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the third round of political consultations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Belgium. From the Emirati side, the session was chaired by Reem Kattit, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, while the Belgian side was chaired by Her Excellency Theodora Gentzes, Secretary-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, in the presence of a number of senior officials from both countries.
The two sides reviewed the depth of bilateral relations and their development path, praising the solid partnership between the UAE and Belgium, and affirming their joint commitment to enhancing cooperation in various strategic sectors.
They also stressed the depth of the close ties between the peoples of the two countries, which are evident in cultural, educational and commercial exchange, as well as the growing presence of Belgian companies operating in the country, especially in the sectors of logistics, energy, advanced manufacturing, ports, life sciences, and innovation. This growing partnership reflects the strength of the economic ties between the two countries, and embodies the shared commitment to achieving sustainable growth and consolidating a partnership based on innovation.
The two sides pointed to the rapid growth in the volume of bilateral trade in recent years, which reflects the strength and diversity of economic relations. The two sides also discussed the prospects for enhancing non-oil trade exchange, consolidating partnerships in the private sector, and increasing investment flows in priority sectors, especially energy transformation, renewable energy, hydrogen, advanced technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.
In this context, the two sides discussed the developments in the ongoing negotiations regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the European Union, as they stressed their keenness to achieve rapid and constructive progress in the talks based on the important role played by the UAE as a pivotal center in the economic and logistical fields and a major bridge linking Europe, West Asia and East Africa.
The UAE and Belgium discussed ways to enhance judicial and consular cooperation, praising the high level of coordination and the amount of mutual trust on which this cooperation is based. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in legal affairs and coordinate efforts in the field of law enforcement, including the exchange of institutional experiences.
The consultations included in-depth discussions on joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, enhance maritime security, and consolidate regional stability, in addition to emphasizing the importance of coordinating efforts to address emerging security challenges.
In the context of regional and international issues, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East, European security, and the Horn of Africa, stressed the need to reduce escalation and protect civilians, and emphasized their support for dialogue to prevent regional destabilization. The two sides also stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic cooperation as the only way to achieve sustainable stability.
The UAE and Belgium reviewed their efforts in the field of humanitarian aid, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Gaza Strip, where they stressed the importance of ensuring the urgent, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and renewed their joint commitment to establishing peace and strengthening joint international efforts.
The two sides also agreed to intensify high-level visits between the two countries within the framework of enhancing strategic coordination efforts and deepening institutional cooperation. They also agreed to hold the fourth round of political consultations in the Belgian capital, Brussels, in 2027.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
