Visiting
high-level Iraqi delegation sees bigger role for UAE in reconstruction
efforts
Posted: 19 February 2004
DNRD hosts the visit aimed at highlighting opportunities
for Emarati companies to join reconstruction efforts in Iraq
A high-level Iraqi delegation, led by the Governor of Basra, His
Excellency Wael Abdelateef Hussain, is currently in Dubai to discuss
opportunities for cooperation on several reconstruction projects
in southern Iraq with Emirati companies and UAE government officials.
The delegation, comprising twenty prominent Iraqi business and
government representatives was hosted by Dubai Naturalisation and
Residency Department (DNRD).
At a press conference held in Dubai , the Governor of Basra, His
Excellency Wael Abdelateef Hussain expressed his appreciation of
the role played by the UAE in supporting the reconstruction efforts
in Iraq, especially its ports.
The press conference, organised by DNRD was addressed by Colonel
Saeed bin Belailah, Director, DNRD and the Governor of Basra.
“The past few months have seen Iraq emerging out of a grave
crisis and making a new beginning towards building a strong future
for the Iraqi people,” said Colonel bin Belailah. “The
task is challenging, but Iraqi officials are determined to fulfil
their mission in the shortest possible time. The presence of this
delegation from Basra today amply demonstrates these intentions.
The UAE government was among the first to offer aid and support
to Iraq, especially in the reconstruction of Umm Qasr port. The
delegation is now seeking further cooperation from Emirati businesses
to participate in this important project.”
“DNRD has played an active role in supporting the Iraqi cause.
The UAE has always maintained cordial relations with Iraq, and we
consider it our humanitarian duty to reach out to our brothers in
Iraq and extend a helping hand at their time of need. Lieutenant
Colonel Khalid Lootah, our Assistant Director in charge of IT and
Total Quality, visited Iraqi authorities in southern Iraq earlier
this year to assess the situation and identify the areas in which
we could make a meaningful contribution. The port of Umm Qasr needed
immediate assistance and we responded very quickly by offering our
expertise in rebuilding the port. As we welcome the Basra delegation
in Dubai today, we feel there is lot of work still left to be done
in the full reconstruction of Iraq. DNRD extends its full support
to the reconstruction program and will offer expertise in areas
of Information Technology and HR, at all the ports in Basra,”
added Belailah.
The Basra delegation raised several important issues regarding
the reconstruction programme during the press conference. Iraq has
made considerable progress in a short period of time. The government
has instituted progressive investment and banking laws to encourage
growth in the country and essential infrastructure is being restored
at a rapid pace. The delegation has scheduled meetings with several
prominent Emirati businesses and local government bodies including
the World Trade Centre and Emaar Properties to highlight the opportunities
available in the reconstruction process and discuss projects of
mutual benefit.
Colonel bin Belailah added, “The visit of the Governor of
Basra and his delegation in Dubai presents a unique opportunity
for Emirati companies to establish contact with key Iraqi officials
and explore ways in which they can work together in the reconstruction
project. We are aiming to bring together both parties to initiate
discussion for mutual trade and business”.
H.E. Wael Abdelateef Hussain, Governor of Basra said, “We
are here to study how best UAE organisations and companies can assist
us further in accelerating the reconstruction process. We feel we
have a lot to gain from the experience of the UAE in building a
modern state. We are confident this visit will be the first step
in building long-standing ties between Iraq and the UAE in various
sectors, leading to a strong infrastructure that will help Iraq
become a modern financially strong country.”
“The people of Iraq are grateful to the UAE for the financial
and moral support already given to us. We are here today to personally
thank HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the UAE
authorities for the support and assistance offered to us in times
of crisis. We are especially grateful to Dubai for its invaluable
contribution towards the rebuilding of the Umm Qasr Port in Basra
as well as other reconstruction projects in Iraq. We look forward
to building stronger relations with the UAE business community by
exploring new avenues of mutual trade and business,” concluded
Hussain.
Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department
Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), was established
in 1971. It consists of 12 Sections, six of which are main sections
located within the premises of the administration, namely: Naturalization
and Passports Section, Entry Permits Section, Residency Section,
Investigation and Control Section, Administration and Finance Section
and Information Technology Section.
The other six sections are spread over Dubai and neighboring area
and include Dubai Airport passports Section, Rashid Port Passports
Section, Shindegah Port Passports Section, Hamriah port Passports
Section, Jebel Ali Port Passports Section and Hatta Passports Section.
DNRD has recently installed a fast-track electronic passport control
system at the Dubai International Airport, eGate, that offers card-operated
access to the airport to travelers through pre-registration. eGate
helps passengers complete passport control within a few seconds,
using an electronically operated foolproof fingerprint identification
system.
Dubai Airport is the first airport in the Middle East and the third
in the world to install such an advanced passenger clearance system.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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