The Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DoGR) recently received HE Fletcher Tabuteau, New Zealand’s Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, along with Paul Ballantyne, Deputy Ambassador of New Zealand to the UAE. They discussed Sharjah–New Zealand relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
Tabuteau visited several government entities in Sharjah, accompanied by Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF); Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of DoGR, Sheikha Nawar Al Qasimi, Director of Development at Sharjah Art Foundation; HE Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq); and HE Mohamed Juma Al Musharrakh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah).
During the tours, the delegation was briefed on Sharjah’s promising investment opportunities and unique business environment, and learned about the emirate’s efforts to promote culture, literature, arts and civilisation.
Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi praised the deep-rooted cultural relationships and strategic trade ties between Sharjah and New Zealand, stressing the need to enhance cooperation at all levels in the best interest of both parties.
Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi said: “This visit builds on the close relationship between Sharjah and New Zealand. It enabled the delegation to learn more about Sharjah’s forward-thinking economic and cultural vision, which aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to encourage understanding and dialogue with other cultures and civilisations. Such exchange is key to enabling everyone to learn about and benefit from the other’s experiences. During our meeting, we discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination in various areas of common interest.”
The visit highlights the close relations between the UAE in general and the Emirate of Sharjah in particular and New Zealand. Bilateral trade figures between the two nations are valued at NZD 2.9 billion, making the UAE, the ninth largest trading partner to New Zealand, and a leading re-export hub in MENA region and the world.
The Department of Government Relations was established in 2014 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of and Ruler of Sharjah, to provide a window of cooperation to Sharjah’s international partners.
As the centre of culture, education, and innovation in the UAE, the Emirate’s international reach spans the globe. The department supports this outreach through representing Sharjah abroad, welcoming international delegations, and partnering with strategic cities that share Sharjah’s core values: culture, education, and innovation.
