Switzerland seriously considering UAE's candidature for Irena headquarters

Switzerland is seriously considering the UAE's candidacy in the race to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), Hans-Rudolf Merz, Swiss President, told Gulf News in an interview during his official visit to the UAE.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the country - as the world's sixth largest oil exporting country - on its visionary thinking in promoting new energy technologies and for supporting the sustainable development with the Masdar project [proposed zero carbon city in Abu Dhabi]," he said.

Switzerland welcomes the UAE's commitment to become a global centre for renewable energy research, development and innovation, Merz said.

Several Swiss companies, which have earned a sound reputation worldwide for their sustainable business solutions, and some Swiss world-class universities have expressed their interest in becoming actively involved in the development of the Masdar initiative, the president said.

"Irena is a very future oriented and important project which I fully support. Concerning the headquarters, Switzerland is considering seriously the candidature of the UAE," Merz said.

Meanwhile Armenia, a founding member of Irena, has decided to vote for the UAE in its bid to home the Irena headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the Armenian Ambassador to the UAE told Gulf News.

The Armenian government has taken the decision to support the UAE, Vahagan Melikian said. Irena will have detailed plans to support the countries to develop renewable energy sources and the UAE can do a lot by hosting its headquarters, he said.

"We are seeking active cooperation with the UAE in the renewable energy sector as the country is a frontrunner in the sector," Melikian said.   The Masdar initiative and The UAE's Irena bid prove that the leadership is psychologically and philosophically ready to face the future challenges in the energy sector, according to Melikian. – Gulf News