President Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Hungary on Thursday and is expected to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on an official visit.
He was received by Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Hungary's Minister of Defence, on arriving at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
It follows a working visit to Serbia, where Sheikh Mohamed met President Aleksandar Vucic for talks, and a trip to Albania on Wednesday, during which he met Prime Minister Edi Rama.
In Belgrade, Sheikh Mohamed focused on various areas of co-operation with Mr Vucic, particularly in investment, economy, trade, technology, food security and renewable energy.
Sheikh Mohamed stressed the UAE’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Balkans, and the two men also reviewed a number of regional and international issues, state news agency Wam reported.
Both expressed their shared interest in continuing efforts to strengthen UAE-Serbia ties.
Sheikh Mohamed and his delegation were welcomed at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport by Mr Vucic, with both leaders taking cover under umbrellas on a rainy day in the capital.
It was Sheikh Mohamed's first visit to Serbia since a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the two nations came into force in May. It is hoped that bilateral trade between the Emirates and Serbia will contribute about $351 million to the UAE's GDP by 2031.
In Albania, Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Rama had reviewed the growing partnership between their countries and discussed efforts to advance relations in key sectors such as the economy, trade, renewable energy, food security and technology during high-level discussions.
Sheikh Mohamed set out his commitment to forging robust ties across the Balkans. He said Albania was an important partner for the Emirates.
Mr Rama spoke of his hopes that the visit would establish new avenues of co-operation after welcoming Sheikh Mohamed and his delegation at the Prime Minister's Office in Tirana.
The two men also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, emphasising the need to promote dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
UAE leader given national honour
During the meeting, Mr Rama awarded Sheikh Mohamed the Benemerenti medal, the highest public honour conferred by the Prime Minister of Albania, in recognition of the President's pivotal role in strengthening UAE-Albanian relations.
The Prime Minister praised Sheikh Mohamed's commitment to bolstering bilateral ties, describing the award as a mark of his country's deep respect and appreciation for him.
Sheikh Mohamed's official delegation included Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, adviser to the UAE President; Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State; Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Faisal Al Bannai, adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant of Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority; Dr Ali Al Dhaheri, UAE ambassador to the Hellenic Republic and non-resident ambassador to Albania; and Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of the board of directors of Eagle Hills.
The President's visits came after he concluded a state visit to Turkey on Wednesday, in which he issued a joint call for peace with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Sheikh Mohamed was received by Mr Erdogan at Turkey’s Presidential Palace and an official reception was hosted in his honour, state news agency Wam reported.
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US tops drug cost charts
The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.
Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.
In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.
Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol.
The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.
High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.
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If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
