Head of EU mission summoned to UAE Foreign Ministry over Borrell's remarks

The UAE has criticized a statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell who compared the world outside the European Union (EU) to a jungle, Report informs citing foreign media.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called the diplomat's remarks "racist" as well as "inappropriate and discriminatory" and demanded an explanation from the head of the EU mission in the country, Emil Paulsen.

Last week, Borrell, speaking at the Spanish forum La Toja, compared Europe to a garden that combines political freedom, economic prosperity and the pursuit of social equality. “Europe is a garden. Most of the rest of the world a jungle. The jungle could invade the garden,” he noted.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said that Borrell's statements "contribute to the deterioration of the atmosphere of intolerance and discrimination around the world." "Borrell's remarks are disappointing, while all parties realize that other religions, cultures and ethnic groups must be treated with respect," the Foreign Ministry said, noting that it is necessary to remember such values ​​as pluralism, coexistence and tolerance.