Weekly Briefing, Vol. 68. No. 4 (RO) December 2023
‘Beyond Europe’: Main Asian highlights of Romanian Foreign Policy in 2023
Introduction
The year 2023 marked a significant turning point for Romanian foreign policy, as the President of Romania embarked on a series of high-profile state and official visits to countries extending beyond Europe. The state and official visits to Asian, Latin American, and African countries marked the start of a foreign policy agenda for Romania that focuses on matters that are either bilateral or regional, in essence, but have an impact on a global scale. As a result, the visits are expected to have significant effects both nationally (within Romania) and regionally (in the European Union (EU)), as well as on the Eastern Flank of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), given that Romania demonstrated its determination to expand its diplomatic influence and strengthen its connections with state actors beyond its post-socialist traditional sphere of influence through strategic engagement and dialogue. Hence, these visits highlighted Romania’s dedication to proactive diplomacy and its acknowledgement of the significance of establishing global partnerships for global solutions and regional or trans-regional solutions.
Furthermore, these visits to several Asian countries mark a certain progress made in bilateral relations with nations that are either considered to be traditional bilateral relations or bilateral relations based on the concept of like-minded partners. In this regard, Romania demonstrated its preparedness to assume a more influential position in global affairs and promote trans-regional cooperation between Europe, on the one hand, and Asia, on the other hand, demonstrating a progressive foreign policy approach that recognizes the interdependence of the contemporary world.
In other words, in the following paragraphs, this briefing discusses and presents several visits paid to Japan (06-08 March 2023), Singapore (09-10 March 2023)[1] and the United Arab Emirates (18-21 March 2023) [2] as part of an Asian Tour that the President of Romania undertook throughout the year 2023. Beyond doubt, these following three official and state visits are not exhaustive for the overall public engagements of the President in terms of foreign policy, given that other official and state visits have been paid to other states as well – for example, Brazil, Chile and Argentina (18-26 April 2023)[3] or Kenya, Tanzania, Cabo Verde and Senegal (14-23 November 2023)[4] – yet these are representative in scope and determination as per the evolutions registered in 2023, connected to Romanian foreign policy in Asia.
The Asian Tour (1): Japan (06-08 March 2023)
The President of Romania began his Asian Tour by first paying an official visit to Japan in early March 2023. According to the official statement released by the Presidential Administration in Bucharest before the start of the official visit to Japan and the state visit to the Republic of Singapore, one of Romania’s primary objectives in its foreign policy is to further strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific region. This desire to improve political dialogue, economic ties, and investment partnerships with a focus on key sectors and global geopolitical changes are what motivate this goal. Simultaneously, Romania, as a European Union (EU) member state, actively supports and contributes to the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, adopted in 2021, in order to maximize its benefits[5].
On the first day of the official visit to Japan (06 March 2023), Klaus Iohannis, the President of Romania, met with Hidehisa Otsuji, President of the Japanese House of Councilors, at the headquarters of the Upper House of the National Diet of Japan. At the beginning of the meeting, the Head of the Romanian State declared
“My delegation and I [Klaus Iohannis] are starting an extremely important visit today [to Japan]. This is the first official meeting we are having. Tomorrow [i.e., 07 March 2023], we have extremely important meetings. I will be received by His Majesty the Emperor, and together with the delegation we will have a meeting with the Prime Minister (n.r. – of Japan), during which several documents will be signed, of which the most important – the document that will confirm the elevation of our bilateral relations to the level of Strategic Partnership”[6].
Alternatively, Hidehisa Otsuji, President of the Japanese House of Councilors, according to Romanian mass media, for his part, “emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral [Romanian-Japanese] relations between the two countries”, and spoke about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “appreciating the support of Ukraine” offered by Romania while showcasing the fact that “in the East Asian region there are military tensions and the risk of using nuclear weapons”[7].
Moreover, the President of Romania was received by Hiroyuki Hosoda[8], the President of the House of Representatives of Japan, at his residence in Tokyo. As per yet another official statement[9] released by the Presidential Administration, the President of Romania highlighted that the creation of the Romania-Japan Strategic Partnership signifies an important moment through which Romania aims to enhance Romanian-Japanese relations, emphasizing the fact that Romania is committed to becoming a reliable partner for Japan, both in promoting bilateral cooperation and in engaging multilaterally, such as within the United Nations framework, as well as in Japan’s association with NATO and the EU.
Simultaneously, President Klaus Iohannis voiced his endorsement for strengthening Romanian-Japanese interactions within the parliamentary sphere, which are now registering “an upward pace of dialogue”[10], while providing a comprehensive account of the various forms of assistance that Romania has been providing to Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion launched by Russia, with a focus on regional security. In addition, President Iohannis expressed Romania’s gratitude for Japan’s constructive participation in assisting Ukraine and “commended Japan’s commitment, as the current G7 Presidency, to continue mobilizing the group of nations that uphold similar principles in support of Ukraine”[11]. Nonetheless, the President of Romania commended the Japanese authorities for their “ambitious goal” outlined in Japan’s new National Security Strategy, whose objective is to enhance defense capabilities and achieve a defense expenditure equivalent to 2% of GDP within the upcoming 5 years[12].
The following day (i.e., 07 March 2023), the Romanian Head of State, together with the First Lady of Romania, was received by the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, and the Empress of Japan, Masako, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo[13]. Also, President Klaus Iohannis met at the headquarters of the Government of Japan with the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, with both sides having official talks, followed by the signing of the Joint Declaration on establishing the Strategic Partnership between Romania and Japan. Afterwards, the two officials held a joint press conference[14] and participated in a working dinner on this occasion[15]. Therefore, the establishment of the Romanian-Japanese Strategic Partnership has marked the advancement of Romanian-Japanese cooperation at the highest possible level on three key dimensions: foreign policy and dialogue on security issue; economic cooperation; and cooperation in the fields of culture, science and technology, innovation, research, and development, respectively[16].
The official visit of the President of Romania to Japan marked the signing of a Memorandum between the Ministry of Finance, Eximbank Romania, and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between ELI-NP Măgurele, the Japanese company Okamoto Optics, and the Institute of Laser Engineering at Osaka University[17]. In addition to this, President Klaus Iohannis had a series of meetings with local authorities in Kyoto[18] on 08 March 2023.
The Asian Tour (2): Singapore (09-10 March 2023)
Following the official visit to Japan, the President of Romania paid a state visit to the Republic of Singapore. Among the two most important highlights of the state visit are the consultations held with the President of the Republic of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, and the Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. In accordance with the two official statements released by the Romanian Presidential Administration, during the meeting with President Yacob, the Romanian Head of State “emphasized Romania’s goal to enhance the level of bilateral ties with the Republic of Singapore and to initiate a new phase of growth, given the alignment of values and principles. In addition, the President of Romania mentioned a shared set of goals pursued by both Presidents, including measures promoting inclusivity, economic and social progress, and the transition to a more environmentally sustainable society”[19].
In line with these aspects, the two Heads of State discussed “the outcomes of the initiatives and measures implemented [in order] to advance [the] information society and cyber security, education, gender equality, climate action, and the transition to green energy”, while underscoring a particular focus on “enhancing bilateral [Romanian-Singaporean] relations, leveraging their full potential, particularly in the areas of economy and investment”[20]. Subsequently, Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the country’s goal of attracting investments from Singapore, highlighting its IT services as the third largest provider in the EU. The Romanian President also highlighted Romania’s expertise in cyber security, citing Bucharest as the Headquarters of the European Cybersecurity Competence Center (ECCC), while also addressing Romania’s achievements regarding the Three Seas Initiative’s interconnection goals. On the Singaporean side, President Halimah Yacob emphasized the potential of Romanian-Singaporean bilateral relations, particularly in sectors like IT&C, cyber security, and tourism, in a similar fashion[21].
While in Singapore, the Romanian President also met with Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong with both sides further discussing bilateral cooperation[22]. In this regard, the President of Romania reiterated the country’s objectives to expand cooperation in IT, education, research, food security, connectivity, cyber security, climate change, and green transition[23]. The Romanian President, according to the same official statement released, also highlighted the potential of the Port of Constanța in connecting Europe and Asia, given Romania’s contribution to global food security, as underscored by the multidimensional support of Ukraine and the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative[24].
The Asian Tour (3): United Arab Emirates (18-21 March 2023)
The last part of the Romanian President’s 2023 Asian Tour concluded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)[25]. According to the reading of the official statement released before the departure of the President of Romania to the UAE, “the development of Romania’s relations with the states of the Gulf region is an important objective of our country’s [Romania] foreign policy, considering the solid tradition of bilateral relations and the impact of current global developments on the strategic interests of both parties, but also a series of pragmatic objectives regarding the joint development of some sectoral projects with states in this region”[26]. Hence, Romania prioritizes relations between the UAE and the EU, focusing on the strategic nature of these relations, especially given that the EU adopted on 18 May 2022 a Joint Communication on the Partnership with the Gulf[27], with Romania contributing actively to the Communication[28].
The President of Romania engaged in discussions with the President of the UAE, highlighting that “this official visit signifies a milestone in the advancement and strengthening of Romanian-Emirati bilateral relations”, built upon the established tradition between the two nations[29]. The President of Romania “expressed satisfaction with the ongoing and active bilateral political, diplomatic, and sectoral interactions at all levels” while also “acknowledging” the “exceptional” cooperation in the field of energy, “which has provided a favorable environment for advancing Romanian-Emirati economic collaboration to a higher level”[30]. During the meeting, according to the same official statement, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the importance of the UAE as Romania’s primary economic ally in the Gulf region, commending the Emirati authorities for their promotion of sustainable development and advocating for the enhancement of economic transactions and Emirati investments in Romania[31].
The Romanian President also commended the UAE for hosting the COP28 summit in Dubai, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to climate change while outlining the goals of the 2023 Summit of the Three Seas Initiative in Bucharest. In lieu of this, the President of the UAE expressed gratitude for the visit and expressed satisfaction with productive high-level discussions and the desire to enhance and intensify mutual collaboration in areas of shared concern[32]. More specifically, during the visit, several bilateral agreements were signed between Romania and the UAE. For example, the Ministry of Energy of Romania and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the energy sector, aiming to promote cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, petroleum products, and natural gas supply, as well as in the field of energy infrastructure development[33]. In addition to this, to further the examples provided, the National Directorate of Cyber Security in Romania and the UAE Council for Cyber Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in cyber security, enhancing joint efforts in detecting, preventing, and mitigating cyber-attacks, as well as a Romanian-Emirati Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate collaboration in university education, the latter establishing the overall framework for bilateral cooperation in this field[34].
Furthermore, during the official visit to the UAE, the President of Romania was received by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai[35]. The two dignitaries examined the key areas of mutual concern for Romania and the UAE, including energy (encompassing here renewable sources as well), education, agriculture, transit infrastructure, digital connection, civil protection, and cyber security[36].
Conclusion
In 2023, Romanian foreign policy featured an important evolution regarding Asia, characterized by the President of Romania taking an active role in a number of prominent state and official visits to nations outside of Europe. These tours, which covered Asia, Latin America, and Africa, indicated a deliberate shift towards a foreign policy agenda that is more focused on global affairs. Romania pursued these diplomatic activities with the objective of increasing its diplomatic status, fostering economic cooperation, and advocating for regional and trans-regional approaches to global issues. The visits are expected to have a significant impact at both the national and regional levels, spanning across the EU and the Eastern Flank of NATO. Thus, Romania’s dedication to proactive diplomacy and the formation of global partnerships highlights its acknowledgement of the interdependence of the modern world and the necessity of addressing global problems through joint pursuits.
The President of Romania’s Asian Tour in 2023 yielded valuable observations regarding the changing dynamics of Romanian foreign policy. The trip to Japan was a significant achievement in the relationship between Romania and Japan, reaching its pinnacle with the signing of a Joint Declaration that established a Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The discussions centered around strengthening cooperation in domains such as defense, commercial relations, and aid for development, while also emphasizing Romania’s dedication to assisting Ukraine in the midst of Russian aggression, while Japan’s role as the current G7 Presidency in supporting Ukraine was commended. In addition, the visit emphasized Japan’s ambitious defense objectives and Romania’s willingness to enhance parliamentary dialogue and join in further multilateral initiatives.
The subsequent visit to Singapore highlighted Romania’s objective of broadening collaboration in several domains, such as IT, education, research, cyber security, and climate change. President Klaus Iohannis advocated for greater investments from Singapore and underlined Romania’s accomplishments in different fields, particularly cyber security and the interconnection objectives of the Three Seas Initiative. Discussions with leaders from Singapore, for example, highlighted the possibility of strengthening the ties between the two countries and working together in areas of common interest. The visit demonstrated Romania’s proactive stance towards economic collaborations and its endeavors to use its strategic position for regional connectivity between Europe and Asia.
Finally, Romania’s dedication to enhancing relations with Gulf states was once again demonstrated during the last stage of the Asian Tour in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The discussions centered on enhancing Romanian-Emirati bilateral cooperation, specifically in the economic and energy sectors. Romania commended the UAE’s dedication to sustainable development and climate action, while highlighting the possibilities for enhanced economic cooperation and Emirati investments in Romania. The endorsement of multiple bilateral agreements, including in the energy and cyber security fields, emphasized the shared dedication to enhancing cooperation. The visit, for instance, underscored Romania’s acknowledgement of the UAE as a pivotal economic partner in the Gulf region and its aspiration to further cooperation in mutually beneficial domains.
Conclusively, the President of Romania’s series of state and official trips in 2023 represented a noteworthy achievement in Romanian foreign policy, indicating a transition towards a more internationally-focused strategy. These visits emphasized Romania’s dedication to proactive diplomacy, the formation of strategic partnerships, and the pursuit of regional and global resolutions to shared challenges. Romania showcased its preparedness to assume a more influential position on a global scale and actively contribute to shaping the changing dynamics of the modern world by actively engaging with countries beyond Europe[an] countries.
References
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan-Romania Summit Meeting, 07 March 2023,
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[1] For further reference, see The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizita oficială a Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, în Japonia și vizita de stat în Republica Singapore [The official visit of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to Japan and the state visit to the Republic of Singapore], 03 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/vizita-oficiala-a-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-in-japonia-si-vizita-de-stat-in-republica-singapore, (accessed 06 February 2024).
[2] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizita oficială a Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, în Emiratele Arabe Unite [The official visit of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to the United Arab Emirates], 17 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/vizita-oficiala-a-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-in-emiratele-arabe-unite, accessed 06 February 2024.
[3] For further reference, see The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizitele oficiale ale Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, în America Latină – Republica Federativă a Braziliei, Republica Chile și Republica Argentina (18 – 26 aprilie 2023) [The official visits of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to Latin America – the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of Chile and the Republic of Argentina (April 18 – 26, 2023)], 14 April 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/vizitele-oficiale-ale-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-in-america-latina-republica-federativa-a-braziliei-republica-chile-si-republica-argentina-18-26-aprilie-2023, (accessed 06 February 2024).
[4] For further reference, see The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizita oficială a Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, în Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Cabo Verde și Senegal [The official visit of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Cape Verde and Senegal], 07 November 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/vizita-oficiala-a-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-in-africa-kenya-tanzania-cabo-verde-si-senegal, (accessed 06 February 2024).
[5] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizita oficială a Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, în Japonia și vizita de stat în Republica Singapore [The official visit of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to Japan and the state visit to the Republic of Singapore].
[6] Florentina Peia, Președintele Iohannis a început vizita oficială în Japonia, în cadrul căreia se va semna Declarația de instituire a Parteneriatului Strategic [President Iohannis began his official visit to Japan, during which the Declaration establishing the Strategic Partnership will be signed] in Agerpres, 06 March 2023, https://www.agerpres.ro/politica/2023/03/06/presedintele-iohannis-a-inceput-vizita-oficiala-in-japonia-in-cadrul-careia-se-va-semna-declaratia-de-instituire-a-parteneriatului-strategic–1070567, accessed 06 February 2024.
[7] Ibidem.
[8] Hiroyuki Hosoda served as the speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan from November 2021 to October 2023.
[9] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Întrevederile Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, cu Președinții celor două Camere ale Dietei Naționale a Japoniei [Meetings of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, with the Presidents of the two Chambers of the National Diet of Japan], 06 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/intrevederile-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-cu-presedintii-celor-doua-camere-ale-dietei-nationale-a-japoniei, accessed 06 February 2024.
[10] Ibidem.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Primirea de către Majestatea Sa Naruhito, Împăratul Japoniei, și Majestatea Sa Masako, Împărăteasa Japoniei [Reception by His Majesty Naruhito, Emperor of Japan, and Her Majesty Masako, Empress of Japan], 07 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/agenda-presedintelui/primirea-de-catre-majestatea-sa-naruhito-imparatul-japoniei-si-majestatea-sa-masako-imparateasa-japoniei, accessed 06 February 2024.
[14] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Declarațiile de presă comune susținute de Președintele României, Klaus Iohannis, cu Prim-ministrul Japoniei, Fumio Kishida [Joint press statements by the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, with the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida], 07 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/declaratii-de-presa/declaratiile-de-presa-comune-sustinute-de-presedintele-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-cu-prim-ministrul-japoniei-fumio-kishida, accessed 06 February 2024.
[15] See Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan-Romania Summit Meeting, 07 March 2023, https://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/c_see/ro/page3e_001325.html, accessed 06 February 2024.
[16] See Florentina Peia, op. cit.
[17] Ibidem.
[18] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Alocuțiunea susținută de Președintele României, Klaus Iohannis, în cadrul întrevederii cu autoritățile locale din Kyoto [Speech delivered by the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, during the meeting with the local authorities in Kyoto], 08 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/discursuri/alocutiunea-sustinuta-de-presedintele-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-in-cadrul-intrevederii-cu-autoritatile-locale-din-kyoto, accessed 06 February 2024.
[19] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Întrevederea Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, cu Președintele Republicii Singapore, Halimah Yacob [The meeting of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, with the President of the Republic of Singapore, Halimah Yacob], 10 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/intrevederea-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-cu-presedintele-republicii-singapore-halimah-yacob, accessed 06 February 2024.
[20] Ibidem.
[21] Ibid.
[22] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Întrevederea Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, cu Prim-ministrul Republicii Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong [The meeting of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong], 10 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/intrevederea-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-cu-prim-ministrul-republicii-singapore-lee-hsien-loong, accessed 06 February 2024.
[23] Ibidem.
[24] Ibid.
[25] Aside the meetings in the UAE, the President of Romania also visited Masdar City, a city located near Abu Dhabi, focused on ensuring a high degree of sustainability as an urban development project. For further reference, see The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizita Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, la Masdar City, Emiratele Arabe Unite [The visit of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to Masdar City, United Arab Emirates], 19 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/vizita-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-la-masdar-city-emiratele-arabe-unite, accessed 06 February 2024.
[26] The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizita oficială a Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, în Emiratele Arabe Unite [The official visit of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to the United Arab Emirates], 17 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/vizita-oficiala-a-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-in-emiratele-arabe-unite, accessed 06 February 2023.
[27] For further reference, see Joint Communication on the Partnership with the Gulf in “A Stronger Europe in the World”, 2022, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-a-stronger-europe-in-the-world/file-partnership-with-the-gulf, accessed 06 February 2024.
[28] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Vizita oficială a Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, în Emiratele Arabe Unite [The official visit of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, to the United Arab Emirates].
[29] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Întrevederea Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, cu Alteța Sa Șeicul Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Președintele Emiratelor Arabe Unite [Meeting of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates], 20 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/intrevederea-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-cu-alteta-sa-seicul-mohamed-bin-zayed-al-nahyan-presedintele-emiratelor-arabe-unite, accessed 06 February 2024.
[30] Ibidem.
[31] Ibid.
[32] Ibid.
[33] Ibid.
[34] Ibid.
[35] See The Romanian Presidential Administration, Întrevederea Președintelui României, Klaus Iohannis, cu Alteța Sa Șeicul Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vicepreședinte și Prim-ministrul Emiratelor Arabe Unite [Meeting of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates], 21 March 2023, https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/comunicate-de-presa/intrevederea-presedintelui-romaniei-klaus-iohannis-cu-alteta-sa-seicul-mohammed-bin-rashid-al-maktoum-vicepresedinte-si-prim-ministrul-emiratelor-arabe-unite, accessed 06 February 2024.
[36] Ibidem.