A high-ranking delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by Abdullah Belala, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, concluded a successful official visit to Belgium aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, water, and sustainability sectors.
This visit followed the official trip of Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Mr. Maxim Prevoo, to Abu Dhabi, where he met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During their visit, the Emirati delegation held high-level meetings with several Belgian officials, including Matthew Pecht, the Minister of Energy, and Willem van de Voorde, the Special Envoy for Climate and Environment, along with leaders from various energy, sustainability, and academic sectors in Belgium.
Discussions emphasized the UAE’s steadfast commitment to forging strategic partnerships that enhance energy security, accelerate the transition to clean energy, and contribute to achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
As part of their agenda, the delegation toured the Antwerp-Bruge port alongside Johan Claps, Chairman of the Port Authority. Additionally, they witnessed the signing of a collaboration agreement between Khalifa University and VITO, a leading research institute in Europe, aimed at promoting joint research and innovation to support a sustainable future.
The visit also featured a high-level reception hosted by the UAE Embassy, gathering prominent officials from both Emirati and Belgian sectors including government, business, and academia, creating a platform to highlight opportunities for bilateral cooperation and to enhance relations between the two countries in energy, water, and sustainability.
Commenting on the visit, Abdullah Belala stated, “This visit reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with Belgium and collaborating in strategically important areas such as nuclear and renewable energy, water, and innovation. The cooperation between our institutions signifies a mutual determination to turn dialogue into action and to build long-term partnerships that will benefit both nations and contribute to global sustainable development and economic growth.”
The visit underscored the UAE’s position as a reliable international partner driving the global energy transformation and laid the groundwork for long-term institutional, scientific, and commercial collaboration with Belgium. The Emirati delegation included key representatives from Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), and Khalifa University.