Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed hosts New Zealand visitors

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, greets John Key, prime minister of New Zealand, at the Al Bahar Palace. Mohammed Al Hammadi / CroShow more

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday received members of the delegation of New Zealand’s prime minister for his visit to the country this week.

The Al Bahar Palace meeting came after Sheikh Mohammed met with prime minister John Key on Sunday, state news agency Wam said.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Mr Key and expressed hope that his visit would contribute towards enhancing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. They emphasised the importance of economic issues and investment in particular.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the President, Sheikh Khalifa, took great interest in forging advanced relations with friendly countries to improve communication and cultural exchange based on understanding and joint action.

Mr Key’s trip followed the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Foreign Minister, and his delegation to Wellington in February. Sheikh Abdullah met with Mr Key and discussed regional and international developments.

They also discussed partnerships in trade, tourism, agriculture and renewable energy.