Abu Dhabi: SiltaNews – News Desk
The UAE-Italy Defense Industries Cooperation Forum kicked off today in Abu Dhabi. The forum is organized by the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Tawazun Defense Empowerment Council and the Italian Embassy in the UAE. A group of experts, specialists, and business leaders from both sides attended the forum, which discussed avenues for future cooperation and partnerships.
Participating in the two-day forum is a delegation of member companies of the Italian Aerospace, Defence and Security Industries Association, which is currently visiting the country. Brigadier Engineer Nasser Rashid Al Ali, Head of the Executive Directorate of Defense Technology and Industries at the Ministry of Defense, delivered the opening speech at the forum, welcoming the attendees and praising the steady growth in cooperation between the two friendly countries in all fields, especially the defense industries.
Speeches were delivered by His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, Italian Ambassador to the UAE; Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, National Director of Armaments in Italy; Giorgio Alberti, Director of the National Agency for the Control of Exports of Arms and Dual-Use Items; and Giuseppe Cossiga, President of the Italian Defence, Space and Security Industries Confederation.
The first day of the forum included working sessions between Emirati and Italian defense companies to explore opportunities to enhance joint cooperation and exchange expertise in advanced defense manufacturing technology and research and development in dual-use technologies. Abdullah Saif Al Awani, Executive Director of Investor Relations and Industrial Promotion at the Tawazun Defense Empowerment Council, emphasized that the growing growth witnessed by the defense and security industries sector in the UAE provides promising opportunities for leading international companies to build solid, long-term strategic partnerships.
He stated that the Council, based on its role as a key enabler of the national defense system, seeks to support national competencies in this vital sector. He pointed to the many successful and fruitful partnerships between Emirati and Italian defense companies, which were established under the umbrella of the Tawazun Program, and which represent a model to be emulated in enhancing local capabilities and transferring knowledge and advanced technology.
It is worth noting that the Aerospace, Defence and Security Industries Association (ADSIA), affiliated with the General Confederation of Industry (CNI), represents Italian companies engaged in the design, production, and services of advanced technology for the aerospace, defence, and security industries, as well as research and development institutions specializing in dual-use technology.