Sharjah24 - WAM: Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), received Dr. Heinz Fischer, former President of the Republic of Austria, who is currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed the friendly and cooperation relations between the UAE and the Republic of Austria, in a way that serves the interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples, and keeps pace with the growing development in all sectors.

The two sides also reviewed regional and international issues, the latest developments and current events on the regional and international scenes, and stressed the importance of achieving global peace, security and stability, and supporting all efforts made for a better future for the peoples of the world and achieving the desired security and stability.

A number of FNC members attended the meeting.

Ghobash emphasised that the cooperation ties between the two countries are based on a long history of understanding and joint interests.

He explained that the strategic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the two countries was a new starting point for strengthening the comprehensive economic partnership.

He added that the UAE is now Austria's largest trading partner in the Middle East and Gulf region.

He pointed out that the UAE hosts about 400 Austrian companies operating in various fields, including smart cities, smart networks, waste management, and sustainability.

The former Austrian president stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and the strategic partnership to achieve joint benefits, given the great and diverse capabilities that the two countries enjoy, especially in the economic and investment fields, and other vital sectors.