Lubna calls on Japan to enter into FTA talks with the GCC

"Economic partnership between the GCC and Japan will be better served if Japan enters into free trade negotiations with the GCC states as this will lay down the legal framework for bilateral agreements on economic cooperation," she said.

Shaikha Lubna underlined the importance of UAE-Japanese cooperation, noting

that Japan is a major trade partner to the UAE.

Meanwhile, Shaikha Lubna received Mark Vaile, Australian Minister for Trade. Vaile is in the UAE as part of the preparations for the second round of the free trade talks between the UAE and Australia which will begin in June. Al Qasimi and her Australian counterpart discussed a number of issues, ranging from FTA to bilateral trade relations.