Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed discuss strategic cooperation between the UAE and the UK
The second stop in Europe, leads Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abou Dabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today to London.
Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane’s visit to London comes a day after his visit to Paris and his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss relations between the two friendly countries.
On Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane will discuss with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson the relations of friendship and strategic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, in addition to a number of issues and developments in the Middle East region.
Ancient relations
Relations between the UAE and the UK are a model in various fields, extending to security, defense, economic, strategic, cultural and other aspects.
“Over the past months, the UAE and Britain have explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and relations on more than one level, reflecting the depth of their ties.”
The talks between Cheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane and Prime Minister Boris Johnson culminate in a process of strengthening cooperation between the two countries, which started decades ago.
Throughout the history-rooted relationship between Britain and the UAE, Sheikh Abdallah ben Zayed Al Nahyane, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with James Cleverly, British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa last March.
The meeting, which was held at the General Office of the Ministry in Abou Dabi, discussed the strategic relations between the UAE and the UK and ways of enhancing joint cooperation in all fields.
Sheikh Abdallah ben Zayed Al Nahyane welcomed the visit of James Cleverly, stressing the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, which are based on a long history of friendship and joint cooperation in all fields.
Sheikh Abdallah ben Zayed Al Nahyane and the British minister reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common concern.
Defense and military cooperation
Last July, the UAE and Britain discussed strengthening and developing bilateral cooperation in the defense and military fields in order to strengthen joint action between the two countries.
This came during a meeting with UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hamad Mohammed Thani Al-Rumaithi and Deputy Minister of Defense Matar Salem Al-Daheri, British Chief of Defense Staff’s Middle East and North Africa Advisor Lieutenant General Joey Martin Sampson.
During the two separate meetings, the two sides discussed friendship relations and various aspects of bilateral cooperation and coordination between the UAE and the UK.
The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common concern, as well as developments in the region.
Afghan file
With the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the intensification of attempts to evacuate foreign nationals from Kabul, the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdallah ben Zayed Al Nahyane and his then-British counterpart, Dominic Raab, discussed the developments in the Asian country.
In a phone call between the two sides on August 19, they discussed ways to establish security and stability in the country.
They also reviewed the friendly relations and strategic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom and ways of strengthening and developing them in many fields.
Sheikh Abdallah ben Zayed Al Nahyane affirmed the UAE’s support for the international community’s efforts to achieve security and stability in Afghanistan in a way that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Afghan people for development and prosperity.
Former Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab thanked the UAE for its support in evacuating British citizens, as well as Afghans who have assisted the kingdom for the past 20 years.
“Although the UAE and Britain intensified efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in 2012, this year is no exception in relations between the two countries, as it complements the course of their strong and exceptional historical ties.”
“For decades, the UK has been a friend and valued country to the UAE since its founding in 1971, according to the UAE Foreign Ministry’s official website.”
The United Arab Emirates and Britain have historically enjoyed solid and prosperous relations that cater to the economic, strategic and cultural interests of both countries. Officials in both countries seek to strengthen and strengthen these relations through the exchange of visits at the highest levels.
