ABU DHABI, 9th February, 2023 (WAM) — Ministers and senior officials have emphasised that the 17th Forum of UAE Ambassadors and Representatives of Missions Abroad, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), under the theme “The United Arab Emirates, a Bright Present and a Promising Future,” is a key platform for achieving the aspirations of the UAE’s leadership.
In their statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), they said that the forum underscores the keenness of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to inform ambassadors and all members of the diplomatic corps about the country's foreign policy with the aim of achieving the UAE’s strategic objectives and national agenda.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, said the forum is a key platform for promoting the UAE’s approach in the education sector and unifying various visions in line with the strategy of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Discussions included the country’s current and future vision and approaches, especially related to education, which links the Ministry of Education and UAE embassies around the world to better serve Emirati students abroad, he added. Arabic language studies are encouraged, especially for diplomats’ children studying abroad.
The forum is also discussing files related to dialogue and curricula on coexistence between international communities, efforts to strengthen national identity among Emiratis studying inside the country and abroad, and ways to make the UAE’s educational system among the best in the world.
Dr. Ahmad Al Falasi noted the forum’s importance in acquainting the country's diplomatic corps abroad with Ministry of Education directives, thereby contributing to enhancing cooperation with educational institutions in other countries. He also underscored the benefit of diversifying scholarships in many countries to leverage the advantages of different educational systems and promote cultural exchange.
Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State, said the forum serves to update diplomats about national developments and the country’s approach, emphasising the keenness of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to implement the UAE’s strategic objectives and national agenda.
He added, "The forum includes meetings with ministers from different sectors to provide an important overview to UAE ambassadors and develop their understanding of how to work jointly between ministries, embassies, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as one team to achieve the goals of the UAE leadership."
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said the UAE’s embassies abroad play a key role in opening new markets for Emirati investments. He added, "Two years ago, the Principles of the 50 were launched, requiring coordinated efforts from all to achieve national economic and trade goals aimed at doubling foreign trade and exports. In turn, the UAE has worked to further bolster its openness to the world through the expansion of agreements such as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements.”
Omran Anwar Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Advanced Science and Technology, said the forum is hosting meetings between the country's ambassadors abroad, ministers, and officials to discuss the latest developments in various strategic national sectors and boost cooperation between UAE embassies and entities. He noted the forum has addressed numerous files to date, including the country’s strategic direction and foreign policy.
The forum is composed of 25 sessions attended by ministers, senior officials, ambassadors and heads of departments at MoFAIC, as well as representatives of various government authorities.
Sessions cover topics related to politics, economics, innovation, education, culture, science and technology, and climate action.