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Mohammed receives world leaders
19 January 2010
UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received a number of international leaders and heads of government at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi this morning.
The leaders are in the UAE to participate in the World Future Energy Summit, which is currently underway in the nation's capital.
Sheikh Mohammed first met with Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohammed Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia and his accompanying delegation. The visiting Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the invitation to take part in the summit, which he described as a turning point for Arab and Islamic countries on the path to finding alternative energy sources.
After commending the top-class organisation and management of the energy summit, the Malaysian leader complimented the fine Arab hospitality enjoyed by all delegations attending the event.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Mr. Abdul Razak's attendance at the summit and spoke of his hope that decision makers from participating countries would come up with resolutions and recommendations that reflect the great international interest in energy. Renewable energy has many applications, especially in the UAE and the region, he added, stressing that sunny weather can be exploited to generate solar power and reduce the consumption of petroleum products.
Sheikh Mohammed next met with President Karolos Papoulias of Greece, who is heading his country's delegation at the energy summit.
The two leaders discussed the functions and desired outcomes of the energy forum, with the Greek premier asserting that his country shares similar aspirations to the UAE in the search for alternative energy sources. After expressing his wish to boost cooperation with the UAE in various fields, Papoulias extended an invitation to Sheikh Mohammed to visit Athens in the near future.
During the course of their meeting Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Greece's participation in the summit, as well as their support in finding alternative, cost-effective ways to generate electricity, while reducing environmental pollution.
Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and his wife were next to be received by Sheikh Mohammed, who welcomed Iceland's participation as an important addition to the energy summit. The leader from Iceland invited Sheikh Mohammed to visit his nation's capital, Reykjavík, which he accepted with gratitude.
Sheikh Mohammed subsequently met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah of Kuwait, who is heading his country's delegation at the energy summit.
The Deputy Prime Minister conveyed the greetings of the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, as well as his best wishes for success and progress for the UAE President, government and people.
Sheikh Mohammed asked his guest to convey a similar message on his behalf to the Emir and people of Kuwait.
Also sitting in on the meetings were Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Director of Sheikh Mohammed's Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, other sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.