The co-operation of the city of Dundee and its people with Arabs and Muslims is factual and will continue to develop into more meaningful associations over the coming years, Lord Provost John R. Letford, Mayor of the City of Dundee, told Khaleej Times on Tuesday.
The mayor was replying to a question on recent reports appearing in a section of the Scottish Press about opposition from certain individuals there to the twinning agreement with Dubai, which was inked on Tuesday at Dubai Municipality.
He explained that the one person who opposed the move has never been to Dubai, and had taken the stance in ignorance.
Dubai and Dundee have entered into a sister cities relationship with the objective of accomplishing a common understanding and exchange of ideas, resources and people between the two cities.
The agreement, which calls on both the cities to develop programmes and activities in fields such as economics, trade, science and technology, as well as culture and arts, was signed by Qassim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and the Dundee Mayor.
"These programmes and activities will serve as vehicles to promote, exchange and to strengthen the relationship between our two cities," Mr Sultan said announcing details of the agreement at a Press conference.
He added that Dubai has adopted a policy of developing and maintaining strong ties with prominent cities around the world in order to facilitate exchange of expertise and technology and boost economic, civic and cultural co-operation.
Commenting on the agreement, Lord Provost John R. Letford said he is extremely happy at having achieved this feat.