(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) Consultants Ambassador Ahmed Elham Al Dhaheri said the achievement of obtaining exemption for UAE nationals from Schengen visa requirements involves many significant values and connotations as it reflects the impact that the UAE has in the international arena.
"There is no doubt that the respect and confidence of European countries and the nations of the whole world for the UAE makes various Schengen countries keen to be open to and promote their common interests with the UAE in all areas, as well as to open their border ports for visa-free entry of the UAE nationals," he added.
He also said the strategy of the federal government, represented in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), aims to providing the UAE nationals with excellent services, including the Schengen visa exemption, and was a strategic objective for the UAE.
"The UAE diplomacy has played a vital role in convincing the European Parliament to approve the UAE nationals' exemption from Schengen Visa requirement. A positive image is portrayed by the UAE nationals abroad, as they are considered examples of the UAE's openness, committed to coexistence, and to integration with various cultures of different civilizations of Schengen countries. This, of course, deepens the European confidence in the UAE national with his civilized conduct, wherever he goes. This positive image is also reflected in the modern and civilized treatment the UAE national receives wherever he goes."
Al Dhaheri noted that the UAE national is placed in the utmost priority of the UAE honourable leadership's concerns, and it always seeks to provide the UAE citizen with a decent life and well-being.
"There is no doubt that allowing UAE nationals to enter the 34 countries of the European Union (Schengen) without prior visa involves several positive outcomes on more than one level; tourism, investment and treatment. This, in turn, deepens the value of belonging to the UAE state, and increases loyalty to the leadership. Because they are convinced that the UAE development efforts and gains are meant for their welfare. The UAE passport is now reflecting the civilized face of the UAE, and is respected at both regional and international levels. The hardworking wise leadership and good governance policy were the bases on which this bright image abroad was built. Hence, the UAE has become a source of wisdom, moderation, coexistence, peace, and a symbol of achievement, success and excellence at the international level, according to the UAE government vision and aspirations for 2021," he added.
He also urged the UAE citizens travelling to the Schengen countries to cooperate with local authorities by disclosing important information if requested such as duration of stay, place of stay, air ticket, date of return and the cash amounts they carry.
He also called on them to register their travel data on the Tawajdi (my whereabouts) service through the ministry's webiste www.mofa.gov.ae or through the smart app. uaemofa and to keep contact details of the UAE mission in the destination country.
He said the UAE citizens travelling to the countries where there is no UAE diplomatic representation, can seek emergency help by calling the assistance line: 00971600599991.
Representative of Latvia to the EU, Ilze Juhansone, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said the agreement would contribute towards enhancing relations in all domains.
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