Napolitano received General Mohamed and his accompanying delegation at the Quirinal Palace “Palazzo del Quirinale” on Tuesday.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, attended the meeting.
Upon his arrival, Sheikh Mohamed was accorded an official reception, inspected a guard of honor and shook hands with the Italian President and his accompanying official delegation.
The two sides reviewed the existing cooperation in various fields and discussed the importance to boost these in order to fulfill the aspirations of the two friendly people, especially in the economic, investment, trade, cultural and air transport fields.
Sheikh Mohamed and Giorgio Napolitano commended the agreement signed between Etihad Airways and Alitalia last August to enhance capabilities of Alitalia and its competitiveness in the global aviation market.
General Mohamed said that the UAE and Italy have the potential for establishing partnerships at the multiple levels for the benefit of both sides, pointing out the importance of exchanging constructive ideas to boost bilateral relations and open horizons of further development.
“We are happy to meet you Mr. President in order to work together to enhance cooperation to the advantage of our countries as well as exchanging ideas with you to bolster the existing relations between us, evolving into a better future,” General Mohamed added.
General Mohamed also held talks with the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, on bilateral relations, issues of mutual interest, and the latest regional and international developments.
Among those who attended the meeting were Mohammed Ahmad Al Bawardi Al Falasi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defense; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA); Saqr Nasser Al Raisi, UAE’s Ambassador to Italy; and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.
From the Italian side were, apart from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Labu Bastyli; Italian Ambassador to the UAE Giorgio Starace and a number of advisors of the Italian President.
Source: WAM
