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Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, received HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, at his palace in Zabeel this afternoon.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Prince Charles in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. He stressed the depth of the historical relations between the UAE and the United Kingdom.

Sheikh Mohammed and HRH Prince Charles exchanged views on a number of topics related to the promotion of cultural, tourism and sports ties between the two countries as the best way to establish rapprochement among peoples, harmony and culture of peace as well as co-existence.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of cultural communication between the peoples of the UAE and the United Kingdom, and extending new bridges between them to enhance direct contact between the two cultures, exchanging visits as well as expertise between the younger generations of both countries.

He added that ties can be consolidated through the organisation of joint events in both countries and dialogue between the young peoples of both countries.

The Prince of Wales expressed his satisfaction at visiting the UAE and meeting with its leaders and a large segment of the UAE society leaders, especially the youth, to know their opinions, ideas and dreams with respect to future and humanitarian relations and countries and peoples of the world.

During the meeting, Prince Charles praised the depth of awareness and knowledge enjoyed by young Emiratis, and the keenness of their leadership to give them opportunities to be more creative and participate in making and building the future of their country.

He added that the keenness of the UAE leadership for building youth capacity is seen in the provision of all education and knowledge opportunities to employ them in serving their country and humanity. Prince Charles commended the appointment of a Minister for Youth, a young person with the mandate of following up on youth affairs and their views.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, and Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, who is also the head of the honorary delegation accompanying Prince Charles.

Among others present were Reem bint Ibrahim al-Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation Affairs, Shamma bint Sohail Faris AlMazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Dubai Protocol and Hospitality Department, Philip Parham, UK Ambassador to the UAE, Sulaiman Hamed Salem Al Mazrouei, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom United, Paul Fox, the British Consul-General in Dubai, and the accompanying delegation of Prince Charles.