Abu Dhabi, November 16, 2024 — The Europe Today: The European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates marked the 10th anniversary of its diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi with a celebratory EU-UAE Majlis, highlighting the growing strength of their strategic partnership.
Hosted by EU Ambassador to the UAE, Lucie Berger, the event welcomed senior officials, including Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and Special Envoy to the EU, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf. The Majlis was also attended by UAE government officials and Ambassadors of EU Member States.
A Decade of Progress
Ambassador Berger reflected on the evolution of the EU-UAE relationship, describing it as rooted in shared interests and values. “The EU-UAE strategic partnership has grown stronger in recent years. The inaugural EU-GCC Summit in October was a pivotal step, reinforcing our commitment to peace, security, and sustainable growth,” she said.
Highlighting the UAE’s role as a global partner, Berger emphasized cooperation in addressing climate change, trade diversification, and regional stability. “The UAE is not just a partner but a key player in tackling global challenges. Our deepening collaboration benefits not only our regions but the global community as a whole,” she added.
Strengthening Bilateral and Regional Ties
Luigi Di Maio praised the unprecedented momentum in EU-GCC relations, underscored by the historic EU-GCC Summit in October. He noted the Summit’s joint statement as evidence of both sides’ dedication to advancing a strategic partnership in areas like regional and global security, trade, energy, and innovation.
“The relations between the EU, the UAE, and the GCC are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation,” Di Maio said, emphasizing the importance of concrete steps to achieve shared ambitions.
A Vision for the Future
The Majlis celebrated the achievements of the EU-UAE partnership over the past decade while charting a course for future collaboration. With bilateral trade reaching €75 billion in 2023, the UAE has become the EU’s top export destination and investment partner in the MENA region.
Looking forward, both sides aim to expand cooperation in emerging sectors, such as artificial intelligence, security, defence, and sustainable energy, ensuring the partnership remains dynamic and responsive to global challenges.
A Key Regional Partner
The UAE hosts diplomatic missions of 26 EU Member States, reflecting its importance as a political and economic partner for the EU. The establishment of the EU Delegation in Abu Dhabi a decade ago underscored the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Emirates and fostering a robust partnership across multiple policy areas.
As the EU and UAE continue to navigate shared challenges and opportunities, their strategic partnership is poised to make significant contributions to regional and global stability, economic progress, and sustainable development.
