UAE rejects 'racist' comments by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell

Emirati foreign ministry summons EU's representative following Bruges speech

The UAE added its voice to the growing criticism of Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for making “racist” comments during a recent speech.

Mr Borrell has come under fire for describing the world outside Europe as a potentially violent “jungle”.

“Europe is a garden,” he said in a speech in Bruges, Belgium, but “most of the rest of the world is a jungle, and the jungle could invade the garden”.

The UAE said the remarks were “inappropriate and discriminatory”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation rejected Mr Borrell's remarks, which it described as racist, and said they contributed to a worsening climate of intolerance and discrimination worldwide.

The ministry — represented by Mohamed AlShehi, director of the European Affairs Department, and Reem Ketait, deputy assistant minister of political affairs — summoned Emil Paulsen, acting head of mission at the EU delegation to the UAE.

Mr Borrell's office was asked to provide a written explanation.

The remarks are a disappointing development that comes at a time when all parties are aware of the importance of respect for other religions, cultures and ethnic groups, as well as values such as pluralism, coexistence and tolerance, Wam reported.