Oslo, April 12th, 2010 — HE Trond Giske, Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry has said that UAE is considered as one of the safest countries in the world and it provides an ideal environment for foreign investment pointing out his country’s keenness to develop economic cooperation with UAE.

In an interview with a media delegation from the State on the occasion of the visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, the minister said that the delegation accompanying the Crown Prince will hold talks with senior officials in the State on ways and potentials for developing trade along with activating the free trade agreement which was signed many years ago. In addition to considering the possibility of a partnership strategy that will provide Abu Dhabi and Norway with better opportunities for future cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

Moreover, the Norwegian Minister informed that he will hold talks with HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade on the potential for developing trade and investment relations between their countries in light of developments witnessed by the two countries in various sectors.

He also pointed out that the volume of trade between the two countries increased from $78 million in 2005 to $339 million in 2009.

The Minister stated that Norway’s Crown Prince visit to UAE is considered as a qualitative step and confirms the keenness of the Norwegian government to develop economic relations between the two countries.