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Gulf News, UAE
May 31 2009
Switzerland seriously considering UAE's candidature for Irena headquarters
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
Published: May 30, 2009, 23:15
Abu Dhabi: Switzerland is seriously considering the UAE's candidacy in
the race to host the headquarters of the International Renewable
Energy Agency (Irena), Hans-Rudolf Merz, Swiss President, told Gulf
News in an interview during his official visit to the UAE.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the country -
as the world's sixth largest oil exporting country - on its visionary
thinking in promoting new energy technologies and for supporting the
sustainable development with the Masdar project [proposed zero carbon
city in Abu Dhabi]," he said.
Switzerland welcomes the UAE's commitment to become a global centre
for renewable energy research, development and innovation, Merz said.
Several Swiss companies, which have earned a sound reputation
worldwide for their sustainable business solutions, and some Swiss
world-class universities have expressed their interest in becoming
actively involved in the development of the Masdar initiative, the
president said.
"Irena is a very future oriented and important project which I fully
support. Concerning the headquarters, Switzerland is considering
seriously the candidature of the UAE," Merz said.
Meanwhile Armenia, a founding member of Irena, has decided to vote for
the UAE in its bid to home the Irena headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the
Armenian Ambassador to the UAE told Gulf News.
The Armenian government has taken the decision to support the UAE,
Vahagan Melikian said. Irena will have detailed plans to support the
countries to develop renewable energy sources and the UAE can do a lot
by hosting its headquarters, he said.
"We are seeking active cooperation with the UAE in the renewable
energy sector as the country is a frontrunner in the sector," Melikian
said.
The Masdar initiative and The UAE's Irena bid prove that the
leadership is psychologically and philosophically ready to face the
future challenges in the energy sector, according to Melikian.
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Governm ent/10318480.html
May 31 2009
Switzerland seriously considering UAE's candidature for Irena headquarters
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
Published: May 30, 2009, 23:15
Abu Dhabi: Switzerland is seriously considering the UAE's candidacy in
the race to host the headquarters of the International Renewable
Energy Agency (Irena), Hans-Rudolf Merz, Swiss President, told Gulf
News in an interview during his official visit to the UAE.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the country -
as the world's sixth largest oil exporting country - on its visionary
thinking in promoting new energy technologies and for supporting the
sustainable development with the Masdar project [proposed zero carbon
city in Abu Dhabi]," he said.
Switzerland welcomes the UAE's commitment to become a global centre
for renewable energy research, development and innovation, Merz said.
Several Swiss companies, which have earned a sound reputation
worldwide for their sustainable business solutions, and some Swiss
world-class universities have expressed their interest in becoming
actively involved in the development of the Masdar initiative, the
president said.
"Irena is a very future oriented and important project which I fully
support. Concerning the headquarters, Switzerland is considering
seriously the candidature of the UAE," Merz said.
Meanwhile Armenia, a founding member of Irena, has decided to vote for
the UAE in its bid to home the Irena headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the
Armenian Ambassador to the UAE told Gulf News.
The Armenian government has taken the decision to support the UAE,
Vahagan Melikian said. Irena will have detailed plans to support the
countries to develop renewable energy sources and the UAE can do a lot
by hosting its headquarters, he said.
"We are seeking active cooperation with the UAE in the renewable
energy sector as the country is a frontrunner in the sector," Melikian
said.
The Masdar initiative and The UAE's Irena bid prove that the
leadership is psychologically and philosophically ready to face the
future challenges in the energy sector, according to Melikian.
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Governm ent/10318480.html