Reduce dependence on oil, says Khalifa

The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan received on Wednesday His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was also present on the occasion.

Sheikh Khalifa was briefed by Sheikh Mohammed on the results of the talks he conducted with heads of state, prime ministers, ministers and senior officials who participated in the third session of the Preparatory Commission for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) which held recently in Abu Dhabi for the first time after the UAE won the race for hosting the agency’s venue, and the on-going World Future Energy Summit being hosted by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).

The President affirmed the UAE’s success in hosting, organising and moderating sessions of the IRENA’s meeting; a development underlines the substantial capacity and ability of the UAE nationals in handling and managing major international events like this which attracted delegates from over 142 member states in addition to observers from 15 countries.

Sheikh Khalifa called for reinvigorating the role of the renewable energy and environment friendly green technology in various walks of life to conserve sustainability of natural resources of the UAE and reduce dependence on oil as a key source for energy in order to protect the rich indigenous environment and wildlife. The meeting was attended by a number of sheikhs, ministers and senior officials. Later, Sheikh Khalifa hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of his guests.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM