2009-11-08 21:02:30
Abu Dhabi, 8 Nov. 2009 (WAM) - Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received here today Colombian Minister of Foreign Relations Jaime Bermudez Merizalde who is leading a delegation on a visit to the UAE.

Present during the meeting were H.E. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Colombian Minister of Energy and Mines Hernan MARTINEZ Torres, Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi , Director General of the Foreign Ministry, and Jiermo Antonio Vanigas Seira, Colombia's non-resident ambassador to the UAE.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the Colombian minister and his accompanying delegation. He praised the progressive ties between the two countries and expressed the hope for further cooperation in different fields.

Sheikh Abdullah and Merizaldo exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, as well as issues of mutual interest to the two countries.

In a statement to 'WAM', Merizaldo lauded the fruitful outcome of Sheikh Abdullah's recent visit to his countries and his meeting with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez.

He added that his visit to Abu Dhabi was aimed at opening new horizons for cooperation between the two countries.

He revealed that Colombia was intending to open an embassy in Abu Dhabi, adding that his country was currently considering waiving visas for UAE citizens wishing to visit Colombia and also holding a cultural festival in the UAE.

WAM/MAB