H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has met with Marise Payne, Australia’s Minister for Defense, and Christopher Pyne, Australia’s Minister for Defense Industry, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

During the meetings, which were held as part of Sheikh Abdullah's official visit to Australia, they discussed ways to further develop friendly relations and joint cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of military security and defense.

The parties also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the efforts of the international community to combat terrorism.

The UAE Foreign Minister reiterated the UAE's desire to promote and develop joint cooperation relations with Australia in all fields to reflect the strong and distinguished relations between the two countries.

The Australian Ministers, in turn, welcomed Sheikh Abdullah's visit and commended the distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and Australia, highlighting the continuous keenness to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

The Australian Ministers also praised the role played by the UAE, at the regional and international levels, to combat terrorism and enhance the chances of peace and stability in the region.

For his part, Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Prime Minister, has received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of enhancing and developing friendly relations and joint cooperation between the UAE and Australia in various fields including investment, trade, economic, industrial and security. The parties also discussed the latest developments in the region and exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

Sheikh Abdullah hailed the close and strong relations that the UAE and Australia enjoy and the keenness of both countries' leaderships to enhance them in various fields.

Malcolm Turnbull, in turn, welcomed Sheikh Abdullah’s visit and highlighted its importance, which he said will open wider horizons of joint cooperation between the two countries across many sectors.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has also met with Julie Bishop, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

The meetings were attended by Dr. Obaid Al Heri Salem Al Ketbi, UAE Ambassador to Australia.