Mohamed bin Zayed receives Governor-General of Australia

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today received, at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, during his official visit to the UAE, while accompanied by his wife, Lynne Cosgrove, and a senior delegation.

An official reception took place for Sir Peter upon his arrival at the Court of the Al Mushrif Palace. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Cosgrove then proceeded to the platform, and the national anthem of Australia was played, while an artillery barrage fired 21 rounds, as a salute to the country's official guest.

At the start of the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Cosgrove and his accompanying delegation, while expressing his pleasure at the visit, and his wish that it could strengthen the relations of friendship and co-operation between the UAE and Australia.

During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral ties between the UAE and Australia, and the means of supporting and developing them, in light of the links between the two countries, in terms of their exceptional friendship and common interests.

Sheikh Mohamed stated that the relations between the UAE and Australia are special and exceptional, which have witnessed important developments during recent years and will further develop and witness growth and a new start, due to the mutual desire of the leadership of both countries to benefit from their many and diverse characteristics, especially in terms of the economy, education, investments and other areas.

Sheikh Mohamed stressed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is investing in its international relations with co-operation and openness in the areas of developmental initiatives and humanitarian cultures, which will provide greater benefits for everyone.

Cosgrove expressed his happiness at visiting the UAE and meeting with Sheikh Mohamed, while praising the co-operation and friendship between the two countries, which are witnessing further development and growth. His country also desires to strengthen its level of co-operation, while advancing them to wider horizons in all areas, he added.

During the meeting, the participants discussed several regional and international events, while exchanging their points of view about topics of common interest, notably the challenges caused by various crises and their efforts and co-operation in combatting violence, extremism and terrorism.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC); H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs; Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Najla bint Mohammed Al Awar, Minister of Community Development; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA); Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces;​Dr. Obaid Al Heri Salem Al Ketbi, UAE Ambassador to Australia, and other officials.

Present from the Australian side were members of the delegation accompanying the Governor-General and Arthur Spyrou, Australian Ambassador to the UAE.