Federal National Council delegation and Irish officials discuss issues

A delegation from the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) led by Speaker Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, on the second day of their visit to the Irish capital, met Irish officials and parliamentarians to discuss ways of enhancing co-operation between the two countries in all spheres, and co-ordination and consultation about issues of common interest.

The delegation met with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Frances Fitzgerald, Chairman of the Irish Senate Denis O'Donovan, chairs of the Senate's select committee on education, culture, justice and trade and a group of women MPs.

Sustainable development, youth issues, environment, climate, the fight against terrorism and extremism and conflict resolution through peaceful means featured in the discussions between the two sides.

Al Qubaisi highlighted that the role that the UAE is playing in combating terrorism and extremism is not limited to the military aspect, but also features an approach to fight terrorist ideology through initiatives such as Hedaya, the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), the Sawab Centre, a joint UAE-United States initiative to counter the extremism of Daesh (ISIL) terrorist organisation on the Internet.

Further, she noted that because certain states in this region are inciting sectarian conflicts between other regional states, the UAE is participating in the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to help restore and back legitimacy in Yemen.

She also highlighted the FNC's efforts and achievements in areas such as women's empowerment, parliamentary work, legislation, education, economy, diplomacy and regulation.

The legislature's 2016-2021 Parliamentary Strategy was developed to maximise its performance in all spheres, Al Qubaisi added.

The Irish deputy prime minister congratulated Al Qubaisi on being the first woman to head a legislative body in the Middle East and the Arab region.

She further stressed that the two countries share a common experience of promoting women's empowerment and tolerance.