Promotion of economic co-operation and increasing trade between the UAE and Ireland were the focus of a meeting on Sunday between H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and visiting Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charles Flanagan.

The current regional and international developments were discussed by the pair who also exchanged views about issues of common concern.

Underlining the economic relations between the UAE and Ireland, Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the Irish minister's visit while noting that it would contribute to strengthening and expanding the existing friendship and co-operation between the two countries to serve their mutual interests.

The visit comes in the context of enhancing co-operation and exchange of expertise between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

Flanagan, who is accompanied by a delegation, stressed that his country takes interest in developing bilateral co-operation with the UAE in the economic and trade sectors in particular.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation for Political Affairs Ahmed Abdul Rehman Al Jarman attended the meeting held at the Ministry in Abu Dhabi.