FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash Meets Romanian And Pakistani Senate Leaders To Strengthen Ties
Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), recently engaged in discussions with Mircea Abrudean, President of the Senate of Romania. This meeting took place during an international parliamentary conference celebrating Azerbaijan's Constitution's 30th anniversary. Ghobash emphasised the robust and evolving relationship between the UAE and Romania, which is grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.
Ghobash highlighted that UAE-Romania relations are thriving politically and economically. The visit by Romania’s former Prime Minister to the UAE in April 2024 opened new partnership opportunities in energy, investment, innovation, and food security. He also stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy to support these bilateral ties.
Ghobash proposed revitalising the UAE–Romania parliamentary friendship committee through regular programmes and exchanges between specialised committees. He noted Romania’s active role within EU institutions as a bridge to further strengthen UAE–EU relations. This engagement within the European Parliament is seen as vital for enhancing cooperation.
Looking forward, Ghobash identified promising areas for collaboration such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, food security, advanced technologies, maritime transport, and artificial intelligence. He welcomed the establishment of the UAE-Romanian Business Council as a crucial platform for advancing private-sector collaboration.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the European Union was another focal point. Ghobash emphasised Romania's potential role in supporting CEPA's success through close coordination between governments and parliaments to ensure effective implementation.
Abrudean praised the progress in UAE–Romania relations, especially in parliamentary cooperation. He affirmed that ongoing dialogue and exchanges will further strengthen their partnership and serve mutual interests. Ghobash extended an invitation to Abrudean to visit the UAE and FNC for continued discussions.
UAE-Pakistan Relations
In a separate meeting with Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of Pakistan’s Senate, both sides reaffirmed their historic ties dating back to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They highlighted that these relations continue to grow on foundations of mutual respect and shared aspirations.
The distinguished parliamentary cooperation between FNC and Pakistan’s Senate was commended for its role in supporting broader bilateral relations. They underscored the importance of the UAE–Pakistan parliamentary friendship committee in fostering expertise exchange and enhancing coordination on mutual concerns.
Ghobash and Gilani expressed optimism that strong parliamentary relations will promote economic cooperation between their countries. The UAE is among Pakistan’s leading investors and trading partners in the Middle East and Africa, with bilateral trade reaching US$10.9 billion in 2024.
Gilani confirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the UAE at all levels to advance their partnership further. Both nations aim to enhance collaboration between their parliaments for mutual benefit.
With inputs from WAM
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