Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister for State, said formalising Irena's permanent presence in Abu Dhabi is an important milestone for the country, and marks the first time an international agency has been hosted in the region.
He went on to emphasize that UAE's commitment to being an international leader in renewable energy.
Both Gargash and Adnan Amin, Director-General of IRENA, said the agreement provides the firm basis for the mission of the organziation to support the rapid deployment of renewable energy as a central element for international efforts to protect the global environment, improve standards of living and strengthen global economies.
"The UAE has emerged as a powerful advocate for renewable energy, applying our expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to implement innovative solutions that diversify and scale energy solutions across the globe," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Climate Change.
"Our unwavering support of Irena is demonstrated through our role as its host, as well as through the very active role we are playing in providing input to Irena's work programme," Jaber continued.
More than 1,500 delegates representing 160 countries and 30 international organisations convene in Abu Dhabi each year for the Irena General Assembly and Council meetings.
The establishment of Irena's permanent headquarters in the UAE is seen as a key step in fostering cooperation and dialogue among the member states as well as ready and organized access to resources and information.
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