Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me first convey my personal satisfaction to be once again in this great country. I wish to express my gratitude for the warm invitation extended to our delegation by the authorities of the United Arab Emirates and of Abu Dhabi. I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for hosting this official visit and for his continuous support to secure strong and fruitful relations between our nations.
The important official and business delegation that has come with me to Abu Dhabi today shows that the United Arab Emirates is at the top of our political and economic agenda. Your economy has become one of the fastest growing markets for Spanish exporters of goods and services and the same is true for Emirati exports to Spain. Flows in both directions have increased by 55% since 2011, bringing our total bilateral trade to 2.4 billion euros last year.
"...Our country has undergone a period of economic crisis that has resulted in a painful loss of jobs. But today we are out of recession; foreign capital is strongly returning to Spain and the Spanish economy is creating jobs and growing once again. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuous trust in Spain, for looking beyond the financial meaning of investment and believing in a true and long lasting strategic partnership...."
Some of our top companies have been awarded important contracts in sectors such as oil, gas, renewable energies, transport infrastructure, electricity and water, construction or defence. And many more are actively participating in a number of tenders across the United Arab Emirates, in areas where we have a strong expertise and a leading position worldwide.
I am especially glad to see that these ties have attracted a large number of Spanish companies to invest and settle here their regional offices. The Spanish Business Council is also playing an important role in fostering a stronger and more active Spanish business community in this country. And our businessmen are fully aware of the many advantages that you offer to investors.We also know that your strengths are coupled with ambitious plans such as those under Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 or Dubai Vision and Expo 2020.
Your Excellencies,
Allow me a few words about Spain. Our country has undergone a period of economic crisis that has resulted in a painful loss of jobs. But today we are out of recession; foreign capital is strongly returning to Spain and the Spanish economy is creating jobs and growing once again.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuous trust in Spain, for looking beyond the financial meaning of investment and believing in a true and long lasting strategic partnership. The Emirates and Spain share a deep rooted mutual affection. Together we can face the challenges ahead and build a common future of prosperity.
Thank you very much.