Rabat - MENA Herald: On Thursday in Rabat, a UAE delegation, headed by H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, met with the Moroccan Steering Committee for the 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 22) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held in Marrakech, Morocco in November 2016.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Salaheddine Mezouar, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP 22 President and H.E. Dr. Hakima El Haite, Moroccan Minister of Environment. During the meeting, the ministers discussed ways to enhance UAE- Morocco cooperation on climate change, in support of COP 22 where ministers from all over the world are expected to begin the important process of detailing the Paris Agreement and prepare for its entry into force.
Minister Mezouar highlighted strong and brotherly relations between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, and stressed that the views of the two countries converge on many issues. The Minister also thanked the United Arab Emirates for continuous support to guarantee the success of the COP22.
"The UAE will work hand in hand with Morocco to ensure COP22 in Marrakech builds on the great momentum and ambition that came from Paris,” H.E. Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, “The UAE is a big believer in engaging civil society and the businesses to find durable and meaningful solutions to climate change – we greatly look forward to sharing our successful domestic experiences in Marrakech.”
The meeting comes after a Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE and Morocco was signed by H.E. Al Zeyoudi and H.E. El Haite in April, on the sidelines of the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Signing Ceremony for the Paris Agreement.
H.E. Dr. Al Haite was also optimistic about the bilateral relationship and said: “We are delighted to build upon the already strong relationship between Morocco and the UAE. The UAE is widely recognised as a global leader and trusted partner on climate action – their experiences at home and abroad makes them a valuable partner in support of a successful COP 22”.