The United Arab Emirates ambassador to Ghana, Khalifa Yousif Al Zaabi says President Akufo-Addo’s visit to the country two weeks ago, is an indication of the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra to celebrate the 48th anniversary of the unification of the seven Emirates in 1971, he stated the two countries signed memoranda of understanding on the Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income, Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, MOU on Mutual Exemption of Visas and also in the field of Manpower

The Ambassador stated that a major highlight of this year was the remarkable progress made by the UAE passport, which he says now ranks as the most powerful in the world.

“According to the global Passport Index, more visa exemptions were granted with 177 countries where UAE nationals are allowed to enter without a visa.”

He says 2019 also saw the launch of the Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

“It is the first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence university in the world. This university aims to empower students, businesses, and governments to advance artificial intelligence and use its extraordinary potential as a global force for positive progress.”

He further stated the UAE has always been at the forefront in carrying messages of peace and cooperation to the world and has assisted in winning the right to host Expo 2020 Dubai.

“The largest event to be staged in the Middle East, Expo 2020 Dubai, will showcase human achievements in many fields, with the participation of more than 200 countries, companies, organisations and educational institutions.

“This global event confirms our nation's ability to connect and inspire millions of people around the world to celebrate human progress, solve global challenges, and create a better future.”

Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo, on his part, said Ghana will deepen her relationship and cooperation with the United Arab Emirates in the production of oil and gas.

He stated, the number of Ghanaians there has doubled within two years describing the UAE as the “junction” between Europe, Asia and Africa.

“They are the biggest exporter of gas products, derivatives of gas and more and this is an area we really want to deepen our relationship.

“The President visited them two weeks ago, I was in the delegation and we signed a number of MOUs and we want to cooperate a lot in the oil and its derivatives because they are really advanced in this area and they have virtually inexhaustible volumes of oil and gas. So I think this is an area we have to deepen our relationship with UAE and we need to intend to do it and do it quickly.”