His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received, on Tuesday, Christopher Maurice Pyne, the Australian Minister for Defense Industry, and discussed with him ways of bolstering the distinguished bilateral ties, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

The meeting, which took place at Al Mamoura Building, reviewed aspects of joint defence and military co-operation and explored ways of enhancing joint defense co-ordination and exchange of experiences. They also stressed the importance of exchange of visits between officials in both countries so as to further strengthen ties of friendship and partnership, which are witnessing steady growth.

The two sides affirmed the commitment of leaderships in both countries to continue efforts for enhancing bilateral ties and for better utilization of common potentials in all fields, particularly defense industries, to serve mutual interests of their friendly countries and people.

Sheikh Mohamed and the Australian minister also discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on the latest regional developments.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouie, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, Arthur Spyrou, Australian Ambassador to the UAE, and a number of Australian officials attended the meeting.