H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, stressed that the UAE and Portugal have distinguished historic bonds based on understanding, mutual respect and keen interest in developing relations in a way that reflects aspirations, interests and directives of leaders in both countries.

Sheikh Abdullah made the remark on Monday, while heading the UAE side during the 2nd UAE- Portuguese Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting. The Portuguese side was chaired by Paulo Portas, Deputy Prime Minister of Portugal.

The UAE Foreign Minister expressed his pleasure at attending these meetings in Lisbon. He added that he had met the Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister and discussed with him a number of regional issues and international challenges.

"There are similarities in views between the UAE and Portugal regarding the situation in the region," Sheikh Abdullah said, calling for focussing on the food security and introduction of a third party besides the UAE and Portugal to acquire more experience and knowledge.

He praised the agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed by the two sides yesterday to support and develop bilateral co-operation.

The UAE Foreign Minister thanked the heads and members of the preparatory committee for their diligence to make this meeting a success, as well as the follow-up of the joint committee's work and implementation of resolutions. He thanked Portas for Portugal's hosting of the meeting.

The Portuguese Prime Minister welcomed Sheikh Abdullah and the delegation accompanying him, and commended the efforts of the two delegations to make the meeting a success. He welcomed the signing of a number of agreements and MoUs to strengthen bilateral relations.

"The UAE and Portugal share many similarities," he said.

A number of MoUs signed by the two sides covers areas of diplomacy, academics, trade and tourism. The two sides also signed the air transport services agreement. The minutes of the meeting were signed by the UAE Foreign Minister and the Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister.

Sheikh Abdullah and Portas held a joint press conference. Portas stressed the importance of the agreements and MoUs signed by the two sides, adding that they reflect commitment and success of the meetings between the two sides. He noted the trade exchange between the UAE and Portugal soared over the last four years, praising the UAE policies, which always seek solutions.

The UAE Foreign Minister hailed the role of the Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister to bolster relations, noting that the two countries are planning to set up a joint business council to avail more investment opportunities for investors in both countries. He added that the meeting tackled how best to enhance co-operation between the GCC states and EU.

Sheikh Abdullah expressed his pride that the UAE was the first Arab country to get an exemption from the pre-entry Schengen visa requirement to a number of EU countries, commending the Portuguese side for its support to this resolution.

At the end of the meeting, Portas presented to Sheikh Abdullah, the Benfica FC jersey after Emirates Airline becomes the official shirt sponsor of the Portuguese Benfica FC.

The Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting UAE Foreign Minister.

Among others present were Khalid Ghanem Al Ghaith, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, Sheikha Najla Al Qasimi, the UAE Ambassador to Portugal, and a number of senior officials representing the Ministries, agencies and corporations from both countries.