Dubai emir Sheikh Mohammed in Poland to seal cooperation deals

Speaking to Polish Radio, presidential minister Jaromir Sokołowski underlined that the visit marks the first time such a high-ranking individual from the UAE has come to Poland since the two countries entered into diplomatic relations in 1989.

On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed is to meet Polish President Bronisław Komorowski, who first visited the UAE in 2013. The visit also follows on from Deputy PM and Economy Minister Janusz Piechociński’s trade mission to Abu Dhabi in April.

Following an official reception at the Presidential Palace on Monday, attention will turn to bilateral talks on a number of issues.

Sessions will be devoted to tourism and agricultural cooperation, and will look at proposed memorandums on higher education and scientific research, innovation and SMEs, as well as cooperation between the University of Sharjah and the Medical University of Lublin.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is also expected to lay a wreath at Warsaw’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Piłsudski Square before heading back to Dubai on Tuesday.

According to Sokołowski, the visit is to underline “the dynamic development of both political and economic bilateral relations” and emphasise Poland’s role as a partner in the CEE region.

Talks are also set to try and increase the amount of Emirati capital in Poland. The UAE is Poland’s largest economic partner in the Gulf, with trade turnover in 2014 amounting to USD 1.3 billion.

During the Sheikh’s visit, it is reported that Poland will accredit the UAE’s defence attaché, providing scope for deepening defence and security cooperation. (jb)

Source: PAP