Sheikh Khaled meets Emirati military students on official visit to Greece

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, accompanied by Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Defence Vivian Balakrishnan and other senior officials. The delegation toured the historic site, which serves as a central symbol of interfaith dialogue in the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, Wong and his party explored the mosque’s internal halls and external walkways. They were guided by Yousif Abdallah Alobaidli, the director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. Alobaidli provided a briefing on the facility’s historical background and its broader cultural mission. He emphasized that the institution promotes coexistence, tolerance, and openness toward others, principles rooted in the legacy of the UAE’s founding father. Alobaidli noted that the center plays a key role in presenting authentic aspects of Islamic culture while fostering cross-cultural communication globally. Rawdha Al Marzooqi, a cultural tour specialist, led the group through an examination of the mosque’s artistic and architectural elements. She detailed how the structure integrates diverse architectural styles into a cohesive whole. This design approach reflects themes of cultural unity and creativity, showcasing high standards of Islamic art and design throughout history. At the conclusion of the tour, Wong received a commemorative package. The gift included a compass designed after the mosque’s chandeliers and a copy of the book “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace.” The publication documents the building’s unique architectural style and features award-winning photography from the “Spaces of Light” Award, offering a visual exploration of the site’s aesthetic qualities. Separately, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed concluded an official trip to Greece on Friday. His visit followed an invitation from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. On Thursday, the two leaders held talks resulting in agreements to deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and advanced technology. Authorities announced that the UAE will invest an additional 15 billion euros, approximately 16.8 billion dollars, in Greece under this bilateral framework. On Friday, Sheikh Khaled met with Emirati military students at the Technical Training and Qualification Centre in Greece. These individuals are undergoing specialized programs that combine theoretical study with practical application as part of military cooperation between the two nations. The crown prince described the students as ambassadors for the UAE, citing their diligence and dedication. He conveyed greetings from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding the welfare of personnel serving abroad. Before departing, Sheikh Khaled also visited the National Gallery of Greece and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, reviewing collections that highlight the country’s historical heritage and artistic evolution.