NEW YORK, 22nd May 2017 Majid Al-Suwaidi, United Arab Emirates Consul General in New York, traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on a diplomatic mission where he met with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.
Consul General Al-Suwaidi and Mayor Kenney discussed the close UAE-US ties and opportunities to expand the bilateral relationship between the UAE and Philadelphia, the fifth-most populous city in the US. "Philadelphia is an economic hub and international study destination which welcomes Emiratis every year who come for educational, professional or personal purposes," Consul General Al-Suwaidi said. "The UAE enjoys an exceptionally strong relationship with the city, further reinforced during my discussion with Mayor Kenney."As Pennsylvanias largest city, Philadelphia plays an important role in international trade and commerce. In 2016, the state exported $361 million worth of goods and services to the UAE and imported nearly $15 million from the country. "Philadelphia has a long history as a global city, and our diversity tends to be a major asset when cultivating relationships worldwide," said Mayor Kenney. "Meeting with Majid Al-Suwaidi was an opportunity to reassure him and the people of the UAE that Philadelphia is open for business and willing to welcome them as visitors, students, workers and entrepreneurs." Consul General Al-Suwaidi and Mayor Kenney also discussed cooperation in healthcare and medical education, a distinguished area for Philadelphia which has seven medical schools and nearly 200 regional hospitals. Following the meeting with Mayor Kenney, Consul General Al-Suwaidi visited the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where he met with CHOP leadership and visited Emirati patients currently receiving treatment. "Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia is deeply honored by the visit of Majid Al-Suwaidi. All of the physicians, nurses and administrators of CHOP welcome the opportunity to demonstrate to the Consul General the world-class pediatric care that we provide for all of our patients, including families of the UAE that have chosen to entrust their children to our care," said Madeline Bell, President and CEO. Consul General Al-Suwaidis visit to Philadelphia is part of ongoing efforts to promote UAE-US economic ties and cultural diplomacy. He was accompanied by Ahood Alzaabi, Director of Government Affairs/Diplomatic Counselor at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC and Danny Sebright, President of the US-UAE Business Council.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.
