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UAE and Slovakia to boost ties

Abu Dhabi - Al Mansouri said that after two days of discussions on key areas of mutual interest, the two sides had agreed on a clear plan of action and timeframe for the implementation of approved projects.

The UAE-Slovakia Joint Economic Committee concluded its first meeting under the co-chairmanship of UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, and Slovak Minister of Economy Vazil Hudak.
The meeting also saw the participation of a large number of government agencies, ministries, institutions and representatives of the private sector and the business community of the two countries in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in vital sectors like economy, trade, investment, civil aviation, tourism, education, health, scientific research, innovation, small and medium enterprises, renewable energy, industry, agriculture and food security.
Al Mansouri said that after two days of discussions on key areas of mutual interest, the two sides had agreed on a clear plan of action and timeframe for the implementation of approved projects.
He said the trade exchange between the two countries grew 9.35 per cent in 2014 to $222 million from $154 million in 2011, while noting that the figures were still far below expectations despite the huge potential and abilities.
He expected trade and investment exchange to grow significantly driven by the strong bilateral ties, while stressing the need for both countries to explore promising investment opportunities in vital areas of mutual economic interest.
In a related development, the UAE signed an open skies agreement with the government of the Slovak Republic.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and Dusan Hornyak, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovakia to the UAE, inked the agreement in the presence of Al Mansouri, who is also chairman of the GCAA.
Al Suwaidi said the agreement would serve both signatories and accommodate expected expansion by the UAE's national carriers in movement of passengers and cargo.
He added that this would spur growth in many sectors including trade and tourism. - Wam