In an exclusive interview with WAM, the Minister observed that trade volume between the two countries has been continuously increasing over the past years. The fact that Switzerland has an Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a Consulate General in Dubai, he said, underlines our strong interest in participating in the economic development of the UAE. Following is the full text of the interview: Q/ 1 Your Excellency fluctuations of world oil prices, depletion of reserves and environmental concerns have forced many countries of the world to reconsider alternative and renewable energy sources from wind, solar power, biofuel, fuel cells, waste to energy up to geothermal. The World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi from 19 to 21 is convened around these themes. Do you think the summit will succeed in drawing attention to these alternative sources? The World Future Energy Summit plays a key role in mobilizing the world for an "energy revolution". We have to shift our energy systems radically onto a path which is more sustainable for the climate, the environment and the energy security. In my country, public attention for these issues is already strong, especially when high oil prices, disrupted gas supplies or melting glaciers as a consequence of climate change make the headlines. What makes the World Future Energy Summit so special is that it takes place in your country, a major oil producer, which attests the visionary leadership of the UAE Government. Q2/ How do you envisage cooperation between UAE and Switzerland in the sector of renewable energy sources? Swiss public and private research institutions and enterprises are leaders in a number of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, which could be particularly suited for the UAE. Among these are solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar power and electricity transmission, but also building technologies. Q3/Would you please shed light on progress of UAE-Switzerland relations, mainly in trade, economy, investment and energy? The economic relations between Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates are excellent and much more intensive that I thought. When I was preparing this visit, many companies were in contact with me and expressed their interest. The UAE remains Switzerland’s most important economic partner in the Middle East in terms of trade volume. This trade volume has been continuously increasing over the past years. Moreover, the fact that Switzerland has an Embassy in Abu Dhabi as well as a General Consulate in Dubai and a Swiss Business underlines our strong interest in participating in the economic development of the UAE. And please allow me a personal remark: for me the most important culture. Therefore I am looking forward visiting an exhibition with Emirati artists. Q4/ The World Future Energy Summit is the world’s largest conference and exhibition on renewable and future energy solutions, innovations, policy and vision. The international exhibition has over 200 companies showcasing tomorrow’s energy solutions and investment opportunities. What technology Switzerland will showcase in this exhibition? 23 Swiss exhibitors will participate, showcasing solar and biogas technologies, advanced building materials which contribute to reducing energy demand for cooling, but also automation and control technologies. One of the most exciting projects in this exhibition will be the Swiss "Solar Impulse" adventure initiated by Bertrand Piccard, a solar airplane that will fly around the world with no fuel and zero emission. Q4/ The UAE have launched a nuclear programme for peaceful civilian purposes. It has signed a series of MoUs with some countries including US and France. How do you view the UAE policy in this regard? Some 40% of our electricity stems from nuclear power. Switzerland’s position is that every country has the right to choose its energy mix, as long as it fully respects regulation and international treaties with regard to safety, security and non-proliferation regulation. Q5/ Abu Dhabi is investing in long-term strategic development of sustainable future energy technologies. The Masdar Initiative is currently building a zero-carbon, zero-waste city, investing in a range of new energy technologies, establishing a post-graduate research institution and developing a carbon management unit. Is Switzerland willing to contribute to this ambitious project and in what way? A first step has already been taken: the newly founded Association "Swiss Village Abu Dhabi" sets the basis for creating a "Swiss Village" in Masdar city. Swiss companies and Swiss research institutes are invited to make use of commercial space at a central location in Masdar City.

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