Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and Diego Molano Aponte, National Minister of Defense of Colombia, signed Tuesday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) via video conferencing, in the presence of Salem Al Owais, UAE Ambassador to Colombia, Jaime Amin, Colombian Ambassador to UAE, and several senior officials from both sides.

Al Bowardi stressed that the MoU highlights the keenness of the Ministry of Defense to enhance its partnerships and cooperation with its partners, as well as to promote cooperation and exchange of knowledge between the two sides, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

Aponte stressed the keenness of his Ministry to enhance its cooperation with the UAE, lauding the hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai, which is a multi-dimensional platform for establishing a roadmap to address global challenges.

He also condemned the heinous Houthi attacks on the UAE and wished the country further security and stability, under the rule of its leadership.

On Monday, the UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs received in Abu Dhabi Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE.

The meeting was also attended by Mattar Salem Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, and several senior officers and officials from the Ministry and Japanese delegation.

During the meeting, Al Bowardi welcomed Isomata and highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the UAE and Japan, which witness the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year.

He also wished Isomata success in his new position and a good stay in the UAE.

Both sides then discussed their defense and military cooperation and ways of boosting them to serve their mutual interests, and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Isomata lauded the UAE’s progress and the successful organization of Expo 2020 Dubai.

He also reiterated Japan’s condemnation of the Houthi attack on the UAE and expressed his country’s support and solidarity with any measures the UAE deems necessary to protect its and the region’s safety and security.