Madeleine Albright calls on Sheikh Saud, lauds RAK's growth agenda

Albright, who is currently on a visit to UAE to participate in the Arab Strategy Forum, visited RAK to acquaint herself with the various developmental initiatives currently underway in the emirate.

During the meeting the two sides exchanged views on a host of issues involving business environment in the emirate, the issue of sustained economic development, trade and investments.

Madeleine Albright hailed the favourable business atmosphere prevailing in the emirate and the UAE as a whole and noted that the opening up of the economies would bolster trade and attract new investments to the region. She said that it was heartening to find that sincere efforts were being made to carry forward the rich developmental legacy of late President, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Welcoming the former US diplomat, Sheikh Saud said that the emirate was committed for the establishment of an economic atmosphere that encourages enterprise and joint cooperation.

Albright, who is the first woman to hold the top cabinet post in the US Government, is currently a Principal of the Albright Group LLC, a global strategy and consultancy firm.

Also present at the meeting were former US Presidential Advisor, Ambassador Wendy Sherman, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saud Al Qasimi, RAK Ceramics CEO, Dr Khater Massaad, Mr Gregory Bowes and Ms Jamie Smith.

Madeleine Albright also paid a visit to RAK Ceramics, the Ras Al Khaimah based global ceramic major and held discussions with Dr Khater Massaad, who is also the Advisor to the RAK Crown Prince. The former U.S diplomat was also appraised about RAK's ambitious development plans in the tourism and industry sectors which are on the anvil.

She also went around the RAK Ceramics showroom at the company headquarters and had a glimpse of the company's wide range of ceramics and porcelain products.

Earlier, Albright witnessed a presentation on the development plans and investment opportunities available in RAK at a function held at Hotel Al Hamra Fort.