His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai received leaders and dignitaries from abroad in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at Emirates Palace on Monday. Shaikh Mohammed received Pakistani President Ali Asif Zardari, Georgian Prime Minister Nikoloz Gilauri, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Jose Socrates Carvalho Pinto De Souza, Prime Minister of Portugal and Crown Princess of Sweden, Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree.
Shaikh Mohammed discussed with the Pakistani President bilateral relations between the UAE and Pakistan and ways to enhance them. They also tackled a number of peace and development issues in the region. He also discussed with the Georgian Premier ways to bolster the bilateral cooperation between the two sides, especially in the area of energy. Shaikh Mohammed discussed with the Bangladeshi Premier a number of issues pertaining to friendship. They also discussed cooperation between the two countries and ways to boost them, especially in the area of energy. Shaikh Mohammed and De Souza discussed topics relating to expanding cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the economic and commercial fields, as well as energy and air transport.
Shaikh Mohammed and De Souza attended signing of two agreements for avoidance of dual taxation on income and air transport services. They were signed by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and his Portuguese counterpart. Shaikh Mohammed also exchanged views with the Swedish Crown Prince on a number of issues being discussed by the WFES and expected resolutions to be reached by the summit being held under patronage of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The meetings were also attended by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, ambassadors and officials of the visiting delegations. – Khaleej Times
