Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met with Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, at the Za'abeel Palace in Dubai. The discussions focused on exploring new avenues for cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Finland in key sectors to advance mutual development goals.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting was attended by prominent figures, including H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed pride in the longstanding ties between the UAE and Finland, which have spanned five decades of diplomatic relations. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening these ties by exploring new opportunities to enhance their strategic partnership across sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and renewable energy.
The meeting highlighted the UAE's aspirations to enhance collaboration with Finland in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, space, and telecommunications. His Highness emphasized the importance of providing incentives and support to the private sectors of both nations to unlock new opportunities and expand their partnership scope. The UAE's support for Finnish companies that have chosen the country as their regional hub was also affirmed, with a commitment to fostering their growth and expansion.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed Finland's interest in further developing cooperation with the UAE, which stands as Finland's leading trading partner in the Gulf region. The Finnish Prime Minister praised the UAE's developmental journey and contributions to regional and international fronts, particularly in humanitarian aid and development. He extended his best wishes for the UAE's continued growth and prosperity.
The discussions also reviewed the UAE's numerous advantages for businesses and investors, including world-class infrastructure, advanced legislative frameworks, and attractive economic incentives, strengthening its position as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and financial services. The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments, focusing on promoting peace and stability in the region.
The meeting was also attended by several key UAE officials, including Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of His Highness The Dubai Ruler's Court; and Amna Mahmoud Fikri, Ambassador of the UAE to Finland.