External Relations Minister Ian Gorst said that the government believed that continuing to open up ‘channels’ of connection abroad helped to promote the ‘open, democratic and rights-based approach advocated by Jersey’.
There was widespread condemnation of the UAE regime when a video was released in which Princess Latifa, daughter of Emirate of Dubai ruler and the country’s vice-president and prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, claimed she was being held ‘hostage’ by her father, following a failed attempt to escape the country two years ago.
Last week a letter sent by Princess Latifa appealing to UK police to reinvestigate the kidnap of her older sister, Princess Shamsa, who disappeared in Cambridge more than 20 years ago and has not been seen since was released. In the letter, which she dated February 2018, Princess Latifa claimed her sister was also captured on the orders of their father.
Jersey has been seeking to develop business ties with the Middle Eastern state, which also has a large finance sector, recently and has been working to sign a bilateral investment treaty with it to boost economic ties and trade.
Senator Gorst said that the government was monitoring the situation concerning the princess and supported UN efforts to clarify the situation.
‘Jersey’s government is aware of the reports concerning the welfare of the members of the Dubai royal family and supports the international efforts – led by the United Nations Commissioner on Human Rights – to establish further details,’ he said. ‘Jersey’s government echoes the sentiments of the UK Foreign Secretary that the welfare of the individuals is paramount.’
He added: ‘Like many jurisdictions, Jersey has developed a positive relationship with the UAE in recent years, with strong business flows in goods and services and the negotiation of a double taxation agreement which came into force in 2017.
‘Government officials and ministers continue to discuss a range of issues, including the conclusion of a bilateral agreement to protect investment between the two jurisdictions.
‘The Government of Jersey continues to believe that opening up new channels through which people can make connections and do business across borders will help to promote the open, democratic and rights-based approach advocated by Jersey.’
Last year the Government of Jersey hosted an online seminar with the UAE ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, and other delegates, with a view to cementing business ties.
Concerns were raised over the move by the Channel Islands Humanists, including Deputy Louise Doublet, owing to the country’s human-rights record on LGBT rights, treatment of women and persecution of religious minorities or those with secular beliefs.
