Luxembourg opens first Arab country embassy

(ADW) In a solemn ceremony the first Luxembourg Embassy in an Arab country was officially opened in Abu Dhabi on Sunday by Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn and his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan. Crown Prince Guillaume was also present together with the Economy Minister Jeannot Krecké.

In the United Arab Emirates capital Asselborn spoke of a "long overdue establishment" in a region that had developed rapidly in recent years, politically, economically and socially. “The well-maintained bilateral relations between both countries for over 40 years now, will be strengthened further through business and trade activities,” stated Asselborn.

Economic relations development

Marc Scheer, the head of the "Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office" (LTIO) will be responsible for the development of economic relations in Abu Dhabi and will also take over the embassy's daily affairs. Luxembourg's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Georges Faber, although not resident in the country, will begin diplomatic roles controlled from Luxembourg with frequent trips to Abu Dhabi.

By opening up to the booming Gulf region, Luxembourg aims to focus on expanding economic ties. To this end a Luxembourg delegation led by Crown Prince Guillaume and Economy Minister Jeannot Krecké, will visit Dubai, the Emirate of Ras al Keimah and the Gulf state of Qatar.