Abdullah bin Zayed Meets UK Secretary for Energy Security

London, 16th May, 2023 – H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held a meeting with Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero of the UK, during Sheikh Abdullah’s working visit to London.

The meeting focused on strengthening the friendly relations and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UK, with an emphasis on exploring opportunities for comprehensive and sustainable prosperity for both nations and their people.

Sheikh Abdullah and Shapps reviewed the existing cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, including the economy, industry, trade, investment, and energy. They discussed avenues for further enhancing collaboration and deepening bilateral ties.

Climate change was also a prominent topic of discussion, with both sides emphasizing the importance of international climate action to safeguard the future of the planet. The UAE’s preparations to host the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Expo City Dubai this year were highlighted during the meeting.

Sheikh Abdullah and Grant Shapps underscored that climate action is a shared priority for both nations, as it is intrinsically linked to economic growth and societal advancement. They emphasized the need for enhanced multilateral cooperation to address the challenges posed by climate change effectively.

Furthermore, various issues of mutual concern and joint cooperation within international organizations were discussed during the meeting, reflecting the breadth and depth of the UAE-UK partnership.

Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s commitment to further deepening its partnership with the UK, with the aim of fostering a prosperous future that ensures stability and prosperity for both nations. He expressed anticipation for the UK’s participation in COP28 and affirmed the UAE’s readiness to host this global event, where commitments can be translated into concrete actions.

Grant Shapps warmly welcomed Sheikh Abdullah and his delegation, reaffirming the strong relationship and evolving partnership between the two countries across all sectors. He expressed hope that the visit would further enhance cooperation and collaboration, while commending the UAE’s exceptional vision for global climate action and its pioneering projects in renewable and clean energy worldwide.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Al Hajri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative of COP28, and Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK.