Ras Al Khaimah, Oct 18: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received at the Al Dhait Palace here last night Pierre- Francois Unger, Minister of Economy and Health of Geneva and an accompanying delegation including members of the Alinghi Team , the Swiss Defenders of the 33rd America's Cup to be held in Ras Al Khaimah in February 2010.

Sheikh Saud welcomed the minister and hailed the rapid development of ties between Ras Al Khaimah and Switzerland. During the meeting they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways for broadening ties to take economic, scientific and investor relations to higher levels
"We are happy with the excellent and growing relations between Ras Al Khaimah and Switzerland. The successful partnerships that we have with leading Swiss institutions, especially in the education and health sectors, reflect the potential to further deepening of bilateral relations," Sheikh Saud said.

Sheikh Saud also welcomed the members of the Alinghi team who started sailing in Ras Al Khaimah yesterday and said that the emirate looks forward to the successful hosting of the America's Cup.

Pierre- Francois Unger said that the remarkable economic and social development in the United Arab Emirates and Ras Al Khaimah have opened new avenues for boosting cooperation between Switzerland and the UAE.

Ernesto Bertarelli, President of the Alinghi team, Wolfgang Amadeus Bruelhart, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE and Gerhard Bruegger, Consul General of Switzerland in Dubai were part of the delegation.

Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ruler's Private Affairs Department, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and RAK Free Trade Zone, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Sheikh Hamed bin Hamed Al Qasimi, heads of government departments and senior officials were present on the occasion.
Sheikh Saud also hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the delegation.