A delegation from the European Parliament, headed by Antonio Lopez Isturiz White, Chairman of the European Parliamentary Friendship Group, visited the General Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, yesterday (Tuesday).

The visiting delegation praised the UAE's aviation sector, which currently provides job opportunities to around 40,000 European nationals and connects European countries with large parts of the world through its air routes.

Saif Al Suwaidi, GCAA Director-General said, "We share many common values such as tolerance, peace and wider global economic prosperity through aviation. The European Parliamentary Friendship Group plays an important role helping to encourage sustainable economic development around the world and we look forward to close cooperation in the future."

During the visit, the GCAA team delivered a presentation on areas of development between the UAE and the European Union, such as cooperation on safety, security and airspace management.

The two sides also discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation as well as economic opportunities between the EU and the UAE.