Etihad partners with Australia Gulf Council

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has signed up as principal corporate partner of the not-for-profit Australia Gulf Council (AGC). The two organisations announced the new partnership at the AGC Inaugural Annual Dinner held at Parliament House in Canberra. AGC Chief Executive Michael Yabsley made the announcement before 65 guests who included Minister for Trade Dr Craig Emerson, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Julie Bishop, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Justine Elliot and former Australian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former Minister for Defence, Robert Hill. James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer said: "As the national airline of the UAE, we take seriously our responsibility for fostering closer relations between Australia and the UAE. Significant milestone "The establishment of a formal partnership with the Australia Gulf Council is a significant milestone in achieving this goal. "We hope it will herald a new and exciting era of collaboration and increase opportunities for deeper diplomatic, business and cultural exchange." Adding value Yabsley said: "The AGC Etihad Corporate Partnership is a great outcome and we look forward to seeing it develop in a way that will add real value for both Etihad Airways and the AGC. "James Hogan's leadership and vision have ensured the beginning of a prosperous partnership between our two organisations. "Partnerships such as these create friends and business opportunities and, in the words of Minister Emerson: ‘we do business where we have friends'."