• The two discussed the UAE’s preparations to host COP28 as well as UAE-European cooperation on climate data

Arab News

LONDON: The UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan received the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region Luigi Di Maio, Emirates News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Sheikh Abdullah and Di Maio reviewed friendly relations between the UAE and EU countries and ways to boost cooperation in several sectors, including economics, trade, investment, energy and climate.

The pair also discussed the UAE’s preparations to host the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP28), which begins on Nov. 30 in Expo City Dubai, as well as UAE-European cooperation on climate data.

Di Maio lauded the distinguished relations between the UAE and EU countries. He wished the UAE success in hosting COP28, which he said would help create a qualitative shift in global climate action.

The officials also discussed current regional and global events.

Di Maio had on Monday met Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi.

The former Italian foreign minister was on May 15 appointed as the first EU special envoy for the Gulf to strengthen ties with the region.