2010 Australia-UAE Dialogue

The opening of the Dialogue was attended by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Hon Stephen Smith, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Over three sessions, delegates identified the need for a more strategic approach to the bilateral business relationship, highlighted the potential for cooperation and investment in the energy field and examined ways to expand investment flows.

The Australia-UAE Dialogue is supported by the UAE Government and the Australian Government through the Council for Australian-Arab Relations. The 2010 Dialogue is also supported by corporate sponsor Etihad Airways, the official carrier for the Australia-UAE Dialogue.

In welcoming UAE delegates to Australia, Michael Wesley, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy said: “The 2010 Australia-UAE Dialogue is consistent with the Lowy Institute’s goal to make a dynamic contribution to Australia’s foreign relationships. It is a small but significant contribution towards developing Australia’s ties with a key country in the Gulf region.”