Forum brings many cultures together

He was talking to reporters following a meeting with Yutaka Takasugi, Vice-Governor of Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the forum, which concluded on Monday at the Dubai International Convention Centre. During the talks, the Japanese official expressed his desire for boosting co-operation with Dubai.

"The objectives set by Dubai in organising this event were clear. Mayors and executives from Australia to the US, and Europe to Asia, who come from different backgrounds including Muslim, Christian and Buddhist, have converged here for three days to set the tone for future cooperation with Dubai," Mr Sultan said.

He noted that talks were in progress with various other cities of the world for more twinning and cooperation protocols. For example, a representative from the German city of Frankfurt, Sibylle Herforth, Executive Director of the Frankfurt Economic Development GMBH, participated in the forum. She represented President of the Department, Dr Hartmut Schwesinger, who during a recent visit to Dubai has expressed his desire in establishing cooperation with Dubai in the field of trade and tourism.

Mr Sultan added that Dubai has established its importance through its participation in various international events for cities and local governments including the recently concluded United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) in Paris where Dubai was elected as a member of the administrative council of the organisation.

Meanwhile, talks during the meeting between Mr Sultan with the Osaka vice-governor focused on promoting cooperation between the two cities. Mr Takasugi lauded the city's progress and said his team was impressed by the all-round development taking place in the city. "We found that Dubai's water management and environment conservation polices are excellent, " he said.