President Yoweri Museveni has been received by the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at his Al Mushrif Palace Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival at the Palace, President Museveni was greeted by his host the Crown Prince of the UAE, also Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who led him to the saluting platform to acknowledge their respective National Anthems.
The President also received a 21 gun-salute by the United Arab Emirates armed forces after which he was ushered into the Palace where he was introduced to His Highness the Crown Prince, his official Ministerial delegation that is led by the Minister of State for International Affairs, Hon. Okello Oryem.
The Crown Prince in turn introduced his Ministerial delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The President and his host later held bilateral and private talks. His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan later hosted President Museveni to a State luncheon at the Al Mushrif Palace attended by their respective official delegations.
The Ugandan delegation included the Ministers of Finance and Economic Development Hon. Maria Kiwanuka, of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Irene Muloni, that of Water and Environment, Hon. Maria Mutagamba and that of State for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama.
Others in the delegation were Members of Parliament for Mbarara District Hon. Emma Boona and that of Kalungu County Hon.Vincent Sempijja. The President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Olive Kigongo, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Mr. Keith Muhakanizi, that of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Kabagambe Kaliisa and the Principal Private Secretary to the President Ms. Mary Amajo were also part of the official delegation.
Earlier, President Museveni visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi where he was received by the Shekh Zayed where he paid his respects to the Mausoleum of H.E. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE and father of the current President. He was received by the Director General of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Yousef Al Olobaidli, who also took him around a guided tour of the Mosque assisted by Tour Guide, Khadija.
The Grand Mosque was built between 1996 and 2007 when it was opened and it is the 2nd biggest Mosque in the world after that in Mecca Saudi Arabia. It can accommodate 55,000 worshippers at once with the main worship area inside accommodating more than 7000.
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