UAE chief of staff meets Italian defence minister

The UAE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, met here on Wednesday with Italian Defence Minister Giampaolo Di Paola, who is now visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the meeting, they discussed a number of topics of mutual interest and ways of enhancing joint military coordination and cooperation. The italian defence minister has paid a tour of some GCC members which included Qatar. Trade between the UAE and Italy during the first nine months of 2011 has reached USD 4.3 billion, registering a 35 percent growth from the same period in 2010. UAE exports to Italy during the first nine months of 2011 were USD 221 million, registering a 66 percent growth from the same period in the previous year, its re-exports worth USD 153 million, registering a 41 percent growth, and its imports worth USD 3955 million, registering a 33 percent growth during the same period. There are over 2255 registered trademarks, 403 business dealerships, and 75 Italian companies in the UAE at present.(QNA)