Latest news with #Ghobash


Dubai Eye
23-06-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
FNC holds special UAE–EU session
The Federal National Council (FNC) held a special UAE–European session in Abu Dhabi on Monday, chaired by Speaker Saqr Ghobash, as part of its 18th legislative term. The high-level session welcomed Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, along with ministers, senior officials, EU ambassadors and European business leaders operating in the UAE. In his opening remarks, Ghobash welcomed Metsola and her delegation, stressing the UAE's commitment to dialogue and parliamentary cooperation. He said the session marks the start of deeper joint initiatives on global challenges such as peace, sustainable development and combating extremism. Ghobash also addressed urgent regional issues, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a political resolution to the conflict. He reaffirmed the UAE's stance on diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes and tensions, including the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. In her speech, Metsola praised the UAE's leadership in promoting peace and coexistence, calling the visit a turning point in EU-UAE relations. "I stand before you today representing 450 million European citizens, carrying a message of hope and optimism that this visit will mark a new beginning for strengthening our bilateral ties and expanding the horizons of partnership between the European Parliament and the UAE through constructive dialogue and cooperation," she said. The President of the European Parliament highlighted strong UAE-EU trade ties, valued at €328 billion (AED 1.39 trillion), and emphasised tourism, education and culture as key pillars of future cooperation. Metsola concluded by describing the relationship as entering a new phase of strategic partnership, built on shared values and a common vision for global peace and prosperity. انعقاد الجلسة البرلمانية الخاصة الإماراتية الأوروبية، برئاسة معالي صقر غباش رئيس المجلس الوطني الاتحادي، وبحضور معالي روبيرتا ميتسولا رئيسة البرلمان الأوروبية. — المجلس الوطني الاتحادي (@fnc_uae) June 23, 2025


Sharjah 24
23-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Federal National Council holds special ‘UAE–EU' session
Warm welcome and opening remarks Saqr Ghobash opened the session with a welcome speech, greeting Roberta Metsola and her delegation. He also acknowledged key UAE officials including Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and other senior government representatives. Attendance of key stakeholders The session included EU ambassadors, European business leaders with UAE ventures, members of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Emirates Youth Councils, and the Children's Parliament, symbolising a broad spectrum of UAE–EU engagement. Emphasis on dialogue and shared values In his remarks, Ghobash highlighted the UAE's commitment to dialogue, human dignity, and tolerance. He praised the visit as a sign of mutual respect and a shared parliamentary vision rooted in common humanitarian values. Tribute to the UAE's founding vision Ghobash paid tribute to the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and current leadership for upholding the nation's principles of peace and cooperation. Strengthening parliamentary cooperation The FNC Speaker noted the significance of Metsola's visit in deepening parliamentary cooperation, setting the stage for joint action on global issues like sustainable development, peace, climate safety, and combating extremism. Humanitarian concerns and regional stability Ghobash voiced concern over the worsening situation in Gaza and stressed the importance of de-escalation, civilian protection, and a path to peace. He also expressed alarm at rising regional tensions, particularly concerning Iranian nuclear facilities, calling for diplomacy as the only solution. Metsola's remarks: A new era of UAE–EU partnership In her address, Roberta Metsola described the UAE–EU relationship as entering a renewed phase based on peace, prosperity, and openness. She praised the UAE's role in promoting coexistence and diplomacy, and highlighted its growing global stature. Economic and cultural ties strengthen cooperation Metsola noted that the EU is the UAE's second-largest trading partner, with €328 billion in mutual investments. She emphasized tourism, education, and culture as core areas for future collaboration. Vision for strategic future cooperation Concluding her remarks, Metsola expressed hope that this session would mark the start of deeper strategic cooperation. She affirmed that with strong political will and mutual trust, UAE–EU relations could flourish across multiple domains.


TAG 91.1
23-06-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
FNC holds special UAE–EU session
The Federal National Council (FNC) held a special UAE–European session in Abu Dhabi on Monday, chaired by Speaker Saqr Ghobash, as part of its 18th legislative term. The high-level session welcomed Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, along with ministers, senior officials, EU ambassadors and European business leaders operating in the UAE. In his opening remarks, Ghobash welcomed Metsola and her delegation, stressing the UAE's commitment to dialogue and parliamentary cooperation. He said the session marks the start of deeper joint initiatives on global challenges such as peace, sustainable development and combating extremism. Ghobash also addressed urgent regional issues, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a political resolution to the conflict. He reaffirmed the UAE's stance on diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes and tensions, including the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. In her speech, Metsola praised the UAE's leadership in promoting peace and coexistence, calling the visit a turning point in EU-UAE relations. "I stand before you today representing 450 million European citizens, carrying a message of hope and optimism that this visit will mark a new beginning for strengthening our bilateral ties and expanding the horizons of partnership between the European Parliament and the UAE through constructive dialogue and cooperation," she said. The President of the European Parliament highlighted strong UAE-EU trade ties, valued at €328 billion (AED 1.39 trillion), and emphasised tourism, education and culture as key pillars of future cooperation. Metsola concluded by describing the relationship as entering a new phase of strategic partnership, built on shared values and a common vision for global peace and prosperity. انعقاد الجلسة البرلمانية الخاصة الإماراتية الأوروبية، برئاسة معالي صقر غباش رئيس المجلس الوطني الاتحادي، وبحضور معالي روبيرتا ميتسولا رئيسة البرلمان الأوروبية. — المجلس الوطني الاتحادي (@fnc_uae) June 23, 2025


Gulf Today
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Tolerance cornerstone of UAE's nation-building, says Ghobash
Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), affirmed that the UAE, since its founding, has followed a visionary and humanistic path that placed the values of peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and global peace at the very heart of its state-building model. Ghobash made the remarks during his address at the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, currently held in Rome, co-organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Italian Parliament, with broad participation from parliamentary leaders, international organisations, faith-based institutions, and civil society representatives. Among the attendees were Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania; Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, and Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of Italy. The UAE delegation included several FNC members. In his keynote, Ghobash spotlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a transformative milestone in interreligious and intercultural relations. 'This document was not merely a declaration of intent,' he said, 'but a moral and philosophical framework transcending religious faiths, establishing a new global ethic that elevates human dignity above all affiliations.' 'We gather today as representatives of our peoples, who, despite their different languages, cultures, and religious traditions, are united by enduring human values — values that safeguard dignity, belief, and the right to live in safety and peace,' Ghobash added. Ghobash also emphasised the symbolic importance of holding the conference in Rome, a city that has long served as a historic centre of human thought and civic development. 'Rome has, for centuries, embodied a dynamic civilisational path where nations interacted in the realms of philosophy, politics, law, citizenship, and pluralism.' The event began in Rome on June 19 and will end on June 21. It is jointly organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Italian Parliament. Ghobash was to spotlight the FNC's role as a platform for advancing parliamentary diplomacy, aimed at building bridges of understanding between nations and cultures. The conference features a high-level session on countering religious hatred based on faith and belief as well as other sessions. The sessions aim to identify challenges at the national, regional, and global levels and produce actionable recommendations to enhance cooperation between parliaments and faith leaders in addressing shared concerns. The FNC delegation will also engage in two dedicated working sessions that will explore the promotion of coexistence and peace, the role of responsible leadership, and lessons learned from the Marrakesh Communiqué, which advocates for the protection of religious minorities and their rights. Separately, Ghobash met Mexican Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña, on the sidelines of the Conference in Rome. During the discussion, both parties emphasised the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation through exchange visits and closer coordination on issues of mutual concern. The talks focused on reinforcing the strong and friendly bilateral relations between the UAE and Mexico, which are grounded in mutual understanding across political, economic, and cultural dimensions, supported by the wise leadership of both nations. Ghobash welcomed Fernández Noroña, affirming that the meeting reflects a shared commitment between the FNC and the Mexican Senate to foster constructive parliamentary collaboration and the exchange of best practices. He highlighted the significance of the Interfaith Parliamentary Conference as an international platform for promoting mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and inter-parliamentary dialogue to support a culture of openness and peace among nations. The meeting also explored ways to expand bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and investment fields, including identifying promising opportunities across priority sectors in both countries' markets. WAM


Sharjah 24
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UAE made tolerance cornerstone of nation-building: FNC Speaker
Ghobash made the remarks during his address at the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, currently held in Rome, co-organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Italian Parliament, with broad participation from parliamentary leaders, international organisations, faith-based institutions, and civil society representatives. Among the attendees were Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania; Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, and Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of Italy. The UAE delegation included several FNC members. In his keynote, Ghobash spotlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a transformative milestone in interreligious and intercultural relations. 'This document was not merely a declaration of intent,' he said, 'but a moral and philosophical framework transcending religious faiths, establishing a new global ethic that elevates human dignity above all affiliations.' 'We gather today as representatives of our peoples, who, despite their different languages, cultures, and religious traditions, are united by enduring human values — values that safeguard dignity, belief, and the right to live in safety and peace,' Ghobash added. Ghobash also emphasised the symbolic importance of holding the conference in Rome, a city that has long served as a historic centre of human thought and civic development. 'Rome has, for centuries, embodied a dynamic civilisational path where nations interacted in the realms of philosophy, politics, law, citizenship, and pluralism.'