The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated on November 24th the 'Sheikh Zayed and Europe: a Journey' exhibition at The Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi.

Organized by the European Union Delegation to the UAE and the Austrian and Bulgarian Presidencies of the Council of the EU for the year 2018, the exhibition, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will run until 31st December, 2018.

Dr. Antonella Mei-Pochtler, Special Advisor to the Austrian Federal Chancellor attended the opening ceremony along with Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, President of the Federal National Council, Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State, government officials, the Ambassadors of 25 EU Member States present in the UAE, and 150 other VIP guests.

The exhibition is organized in collaboration with more than 16 Emirati and International organizations.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed the importance of the exhibition and its role in shedding light on Sheikh Zayed's pioneering efforts in establishing a strong and strategic relationship between the UAE and EU countries.

In a statement on the occasion, Sheikh Abdullah said, "Sheikh Zayed was inspired by what he saw in Europe, and wanted the same for his people. And with the new revenues generated by oil sales, he was able to embark upon major construction and development projects at home, to ensure that the people benefitted from their wealth, and to work for unity and federation in the region."

In his welcoming address, EU Ambassador to the UAE, Patrizio Fondi said, "In celebration of the Year of Zayed, we are very happy to be organizing this exceptional exhibition under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allow the residents of the UAE to revisit Sheikh Zayed's historic relationship with Europe and to know more about the UAE's strong ties to the European Union.

"The EU and the UAE are both united in diversity and the exhibition has been specially designed to take visitors on a sentimental journey that includes rare photos, short films, personal items and quotes from the founding father's trips to Europe starting in the early 1950s. 

Bulgaria is present with a cold ceramics art piece of  made by the prominent Bulgarian artist Stavri Kalinov and pictures from the first ever official visit of the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to the UAE in 2018.

Minister of State, Zaki Nusseibeh said, "This exhibition is very special to me as it pays a special tribute to Sheikh Zayed, who was instrumental in establishing strong ties between the UAE and the EU, based on the key values of friendship and unity in diversity."

The 'Sheikh Zayed and Europe: a Journey' exhibition is open to the public 7 days a week from 9 am to 10 pm.