Ras Al Khaimah, Oct 16: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today held wide- ranging discussions with H.E Amani Abeid Karume, President of Zanzibar, who called on him at the Al Dhait Palace here.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to promote greater economic engagement to fully utilize the potential for enhanced trade and investment cooperation between Ras Al Khaimah and Zanzibar, which is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Tourism, real estate, energy and education were identified as some of the key sectors for increased cooperation between the two regions.
Emphasizing the importance of Ras al Khaimah’s multi-faceted and growing relations with United Republic of Tanzania, Sheikh Saud said there was much scope for enhancing economic and trade cooperation with Zanzibar, especially in the fields of tourism, energy and education.
“I believe that Zanzibar, with its beautiful landscape and natural resources, has all that it takes to replicate the success that we have accomplished here in Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah is committed towards sharing its expertise and capabilities for helping Zanzibar achieve its developmental goals,” Sheikh Saud said.
President H.E Amani Abeid Karume said that he was very impressed by the developments taking place in Ras Al Khaimah. “Ras Al Khaimah and Zanzibar can become partners in progress and I think there is a lot that can be learned from the developmental experience of Ras Al Khaimah,” he noted. He said that Zanzibar offered great potential for investments in tourism sector and urged the UAE business community to make good use of the opportunities available.
Mohamed Maharage Juma, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UAE, said after the meeting that Sheikh Saud has offered to sponsor Zanzibarian students to attend the medical degree programme offered by Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University. He added that plans for cooperation in tourism, energy and real estate sectors were also discussed at the meeting.
The accompanying delegation included First Lady, H.E. Shadya A. Karume, Horoun A. Suleiman, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Saif Ali Iddi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Suleiman, Member of the House of Representatives, and Ali Ahmed Saleh, Tanzanian Consul General.
Also present at the meeting were Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ruler’s Private Affairs Department, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the RAK Finance Department and RAK Free Trade Zone, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Customs and Ports, Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Civil Aviation, Sheikh Abdul Malik bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Advisor to the RAK Ruler, other sheikhs and senior officials. Sheikh Saud also hosted a luncheon in honour of President Amani Abeid Karume.
During his tour of the emirate, President Amani Abeid Karume visited various developmental projects in Ras Al Khaimah including Al Marjan Island, Rakeen headquarters, RAK Hospital, RAK Gas facilities and Saqr Port. He also attended a presentation made by Mohamed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director and CEO of RAK Properties, at Hotel Al Hamra Fort.
