UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has received President Abdullah Gul of Turkey and accompanying delegation at Zabeel Palace today in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Mohammed and President Gul discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhancing cooperation in all fields between the UAE and Turkey.

Welcoming Gull, Sheikh Mohammed wished the President’s visit to the UAE would turn out good results that could benefit both countries and their peoples. Referring to the current size of trade and investments between the two counties, Sheikh Mohammed commended the role the Turkish companies operating in UAE have played participating in the process of development.

Sheikh Mohammed also welcomed Turkish businessmen and praised their effort in maintaining close business ties with their counterpart in UAE.

On his part, President Abdullah Gul expressed his happiness over the opportunity to visit the UAE and meet with its President and Vice President. He also noted the development the UAE has achieved, especially that of economy and civilization and which only reflects the wise leadership of His Highness the President considering such great achievements as a source of happiness to himself as well as his people. President Gul expressed hope to boost channels of communications between the two nations and emphasized on the important role the private sector has in building strong strategic partnership between UAE and Turkey.

Present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Economy and head of honorary mission Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Court Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, UAE Ambassador to Turkey, Khalid Khalifa Al Mualla, Turkish Ambassador to UAE ?efik Vural Altay and a number of officials.

In honour of President Abdullah Gul of Turkey and accompanying delegation, Sheikh Mohammed hosted a luncheon banquet at Zabeel Palace this afternoon at which attended a number of sheikhs, ministers and businessmen from both UAE and Turkey.