UAE calls for constant dialogue between Europe, Arab world

The Speaker of Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Monday urged for more discussions and dialogue between Arabs and Europeans to promote better understanding between them. "I think that in order for Europe and Arab and Islamic world in general to come to an understanding there should be an ongoing dialogue," he told the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament in Brussels this evening. "To overcome stereotypes and misunderstandings and for us to come to a common forum, this dialogue should not stop. We should always try to engage ourselves in these discussions. It should be an ongoing process," he stressed. Al Murr who is currently visiting Belgium noted that Europe has always "been a place of inspiration for the Arab world." On her part, Angelika Niebler, chairwoman of the European Parliament (EP) Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, welcomed the UAE delegation and wished a speedy recovery to the UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who was taken ill recently. "We have to put our heads together to consider how we can contribute to help in your region to try to work more closely with Europe," she said. "We have a great deal of respect of what is happening in your country and we are amazed by the development there," stated Niebler. Ahmed Al Murr also answered questions by Members of the European Parliament on Syria, Iran and the human rights situation in the UAE.