H.E. Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, President-designate of COP28, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Chairman of Masdar, and UAE's Special Envoy on Climate Change, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Vice President Faisal Naseem this afternoon, as part of the Vice President's current official visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Vice President congratulated the minister on his appointment as the President-designate of COP28, expressing his hope that the conference will be a resounding success under his capable leadership and guidance. Speaking on the close friendship shared between the Maldives and the UAE, he said that the Maldives highly values its long-standing fraternal bonds of friendship with the UAE, which he described as both special and unique.

The Vice President also emphasised that the UAE has been a consistent and reliable friend and an invaluable development partner. The Vice President and the Minister discussed in depth the efforts made by both parties on the international front, highlighting numerous challenges and how to work together to resolve the issues effectively.

In conclusion, the Vice President extended his gratitude to the UAE government for its continued support and assistance to the Maldives in various sectors over the years. He expressed hope that the Maldives and UAE's close partnership would continue to prosper and flourish for the mutual benefit of our people.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.