Romania would certainly benefit from closeness to dynamic investment markets, such as the United Arab Emirates. New ways and sources for attracting foreign investment, and new business opportunities on a regional scale, are objectives that should not be missed from our economic diplomacy agenda.

I had the pleasure of being part of the delegation of the President of Romania in the official visit to the United Arab Emirates. As consistency of bilateral relations, since last year the UAE has become Romania's first trade partner in the Gulf area and the fifth in the Middle East and North Africa.

 I was glad to note, during discussions of President Iohannis with President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and, later, with the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a mutual interest in strengthening and expanding economic and sectorial cooperation.

We hope that concrete projects in common areas of interest, like energy, including renewables, agriculture, transport and transport infrastructure, IT&C, digital connectivity and cybersecurity, will bring additional benefits both for Romania and UAE partners.

Beyond cooperation at the governmental level, I had the opportunity to witness a real and increased interest for joint projects between Romanian energy companies and those from the United Arab Emirates, including companies involved in the Masdar City concept, a pioneering vision of a city of the future.