Geneva, Switzerland, 27 April 2013: HA business delegation from Abu Dhabi under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan was visiting Switzerland from 19 - 20 April, 2013, with the objectives to exchange knowledge and information towards tightening relations and cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. At this occasion, His Highness conveyed the message and positive intention of his father, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Honorary Co-Chairman of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum, and his son His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to gain more insight of how to effectively prepare and conduct the upcoming next round of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum to take place in 2014 in Switzerland.
The Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum was launched in November 2010 with the aim to strengthen the bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland and achieve sustainable results through effective networking, knowledge and innovation sharing by addressing a variety of economic and societal challenges. Alternating between the two countries, the 3rd Forum had successfully taken place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 11-12 November 2012 focusing on Water Sustainability for Future Generations.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan was accompanied by a high-level business delegation from the UAE namely:
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
Representing His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and Honorary Co-Chairman of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum
Her Highness Sheikha Hind Al Qassimi
Economical Advisor, League of Arab States Economy Unit
H.E. Badria Al Mulla
President IeBG
Head of UAE Advisory Board of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum
H.E. Ali Rashid Al-Jarwan
Chief Executive Officer Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO)
Mrs. Asma Al Fahim
Vice President of European International College Abu Dhabi
Executive Board Member of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce- Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council
Mr. Abdul Hamied A. Seddiqi
CEO and Owner of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons
Mr. Helal K. Al Murikhi
Director Medical Office Europe, Consulate General of the UAE - Munich
Mr. Ahmed Al Rumaithi
Board Member of the of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum
Mr. Urs Stirnimann
Executive Director of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum
Mrs. Sue Baumgartner
Managing Partner, Xperts - in Business Activation: In charge of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum Secretariat and Member of the Organizing Committee
On the second day, the Geneva cantonal government extended an invitation to the UAE delegation to attend a Press Conference by the Geneva Public Transports, the Office for the Promotion of Industries and Technologies, the Geneva Industrial Services and ABB Sécheron who presented a world premier known under the project name "TOSA" - the very first large capacity bus, which is 100% electric using renewable energy. The TOSA electric bus is a future solution for urban transport with numerous advantages and His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and the delegation joined the attending media for a bus ride to experience this innovative technology first hand.
Furthermore, His Highness and the delegation experienced world-renowned Swiss hospitality with a business lunch at one of the world's leading educational institutions for hospitality services, École Hôtelière de Genève as well as received insights of business and innovation in the regional economy by the Economic Development Office. Concluding a very successful two days business mission to Switzerland was an introduction to Commodity Trading and Shipping in the Lake Geneva Region as well as the programs available at the University of Geneva.
© Press Release 2013
