He joined 14 high-level representatives of embassies of EU Member States in the UAE who were taking part in the evening event at the Academy on the occasion of Europe Day on 9^th May 2017. The event offered an opportunity for EDA students to engage in closed, in-depth discussions with leading diplomats on academic and diplomatic topics during roundtable sessions. This event also provided students a platform to share experiences from their recent delegation visits to the Netherlands and Belgium, and to put their skills into practice.

On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development stressed that the UAE was a land of peace and religious tolerance, where everyone lived in harmony and peaceful coexistence with each other despite different religions and beliefs, while underlining that the state established a policy of tolerance, moderation and respect for others values. The UAE had always encouraged a strong relationship with European counterparts. And this occasion highlights the achievements of the European Union, one of the UAE most valued partners.

His Excellency Patrizio Fondi, Ambassador of the EU, led the delegation. Among of European Ambassadors participating those were Her Excellency Dominique Mineur, Ambassador of Belgium, His Excellency Dionyssios Zois, Ambassador of Greece, His Excellency Liborio Stellino, Ambassador of Italy, His Excellency Frank Mollen, Ambassador of the Netherlands, His Excellency Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden. More distinguished guests included Dr. Joseph Pirotta, Charge d'Affaires at the Maltese Embassy, Mr. Ondřej Soukup, Czech Consul and Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Anna Gawlik, Consul of Poland, Ms. Marjaana Ettala, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland, Mr. François Penguilly, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France, Mr. Justin Ryan, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland, Mr. Loïc Bertoli, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Luxembourg, and Mr. Gabor Gubicza, Deputy Head of Mission of Hungary.

The event highlighted the importance of advancing relations between the EU and the UAE that have lately grown from strength to strength, especially since the simplification of visa rules that have provided more open travel for UAE nationals to the Schengen zone, and continued improving bilateral trade.  

In addition, EDA students participated in a lively roundtable discussion with the prominent guests on the Global Strategy for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy as well as the impact of Brexit and the current political situation in France on the Union. Attendees at the event got a glimpse into the history of the EU since the formation of its predecessor, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), in the aftermath of the Second World War.

His Excellency Patrizio Fondi added: “It is a great honour to celebrate this occasion in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and with the Emirates Diplomatic Academy, where young Emiratis are inspired to be the leaders of tomorrow. The role of young diplomats is crucial to promoting peace, solidarity, tolerance and unity. This occasion marks the origins of the European Union and the challenges it faces in the world today."

For his part, His Excellency Bernardino León, President of EDA, said: “Our Academy is greatly honoured to welcome His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for this special anniversary. EDA seeks to enhance understanding across cultures and countries to help forge stronger, closer relations with a diverse range of nations, including our friends within the EU.  The exchanges of ideas, such as the EDA students' trip to Brussels and The Hague pave the way for future cooperation and common projects.”