Abu Dhabi: Polo an important aspect of Switzerland-UAE relations, says ambassador – News

World Polo President Reto Gaudenzi and Sheikh Khalifa bin Hashir Al Maktoum will be in attendance at today’s friendly match between the UAE and Switzerland

Massimo Baggi, Switzerland’s ambassador to the UAE and Bahrain, hosted a cocktail at his residence in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

The event highlighted sport as one of the many bilateral aspects that Switzerland and the UAE enjoy, notably polo, which will be followed by a friendly match between the UAE and Swiss polo teams at the Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai on Sunday.

Baggi said: “This year is very special as we celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations with the UAE, a country that has successfully positioned itself as a pioneer in various fields including sports. While we celebrate sustainable development in the areas of culture, tourism and education , but sport is also an important aspect of these relationships because both countries share the same passion.”

Also in attendance were World Polo President Reto Gaudenzi and Sheikh Khalifa bin Hasher Al Maktoum who will be participating in today’s polo match. “I am very excited and looking forward to the match,” Al Maktoum told Khaleej Times.

“This is a way of strengthening our strong bilateral relationship with Switzerland, especially as polo is a sport that connects people and unites teams,” he added.

Gao Dengzi said: “This is a great opportunity to introduce polo as a common sporting activity between our two countries, as sport plays an important role in our bilateral relationship. We look forward to being on this path Let’s move on and witness more achievements together.”

Some 120 people attended the event, one of many aimed at highlighting various aspects of the strong relationship Switzerland and the UAE enjoy.