Swiss economic delegation in Abu Dhabi and Qatar

Bern, 13.01.2012 - A Swiss delegation from the fields of politics, science and industry headed by Walter Steinmann, Director of the Federal Office of Energy, will tour the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar from 14 to 18 January 2012. The Federal Council has conferred the title of Secretary of State on Walter Steinmann for the duration of the visit. In addition to conducting bilateral discussions with a number of ministers from the UAE, the delegation will attend the second session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Future Energy Summit 2012 in Abu Dhabi.

The Swiss delegation will use this journey to further strengthen contact with the United Arab Emirates. In 2009, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on increased cooperation in the energy sector. To this end further discussions are planned with leading representatives of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, as is a visit to the Masdar City construction site and participation at the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit 2012 (WFES 2012); during this event numerous Swiss firms will present the products and services they offer in the cleantech and energy sectors.

The delegation will also participate in the second session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA was founded in 2009 and has its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Its aims are to promote the use of renewable forms of energy, advise Member States on the conditions and skills required to implement such forms of energy and to improve transfer of the required science and technology.

After visiting Abu Dhabi the delegation will travel to Qatar where discussions with the energy minister and other decision-makers in the public infrastructure sector are scheduled.


Address for enquiries

Marianne Zünd, Head of Communication SFOE, 031 322 56 75 / 079 763 86 11


Publisher

Swiss Federal Office of Energy
http://www.bfe.admin.ch

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