Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Meets US Secretary of State Tillerson and Congressional Leaders

WASHINGTON, 16 May 2017 - His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, met today with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Congressional leaders, concluding his two-day visit to Washington.

Sheikh Mohamed and Secretary Tillerson discussed the close UAE-US security partnership, committed to intensify the fight against extremism, and explored expanded diplomatic measures to challenge Iranian aggression and interference throughout the region. They also noted and encouraged greater efforts toward peace and stability in Libya, Yemen and Syria, and pledged to expand humanitarian assistance.

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted various UAE-US efforts to promote moderate Islam and religious tolerance. He noted the success of the Sawab Center, a joint initiative that counters extremist propaganda online; and Hedayah, the Abu Dhabi-based center for research and best practices on countering radicalization and extremist ideology.

In meetings with Congressional leaders, Sheikh Mohamed called attention to the importance of President Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia – his first foreign trip since entering the White House.  He praised the President for his efforts to strengthen relationships between the US and its friends in the region while improving ties to the broader Muslim World.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked Congressional leaders for ongoing US support and cooperation in the fight against extremism and in checking Iranian aggression. Sheikh Mohamed updated Congressional leaders on UAE efforts to defeat Al Qaeda and encourage a political settlement to resolve the conflict in Yemen.  He highlighted the UAE’s more than $2 billion in humanitarian assistance to Yemen, including its new commitment of $100 million more for UN-led efforts in the country.    

In addition, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the positive impact of the UAE-US trade relationship, which supports local economies and jobs in all 50 US states. In 2016, the US had a $19 billion trade surplus with the UAE, the US’ third-largest trade surplus globally. The UAE has been the largest market for US exports in the Middle East and North Africa for eight consecutive years, with more than $22 billion in exports in 2016, supporting more than 100,000 US jobs.

Briefings with Congressional leaders included Speaker of the US House of Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). In addition,Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) hosted a briefing with Sheikh Mohamed for senior Committee members.

The official delegation accompanying Sheikh Mohamed included UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE National Security Advisor H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Royal Court H.E. Mohamed Al Mazrouie, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council H.E. Ali Al Shamsi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces Lt. General Eisa Al Mazrouieand UAE Ambassador to the United States H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba.

Tuesday’s meetings concluded the UAE delegation’s official visit to Washington, DC. On Monday, the Crown Prince met with US President Donald Trump at the White House and Secretary of Defense James Mattis at the Pentagon.

The strong ties between the UAE and US are deeply rooted in shared interests and common values. Together, the two countries are working to promote regional security, create economic prosperity, and address pressing global challenges. For more information on the UAE-US bilateral relationship, please visit www.UAEUSAUnited.com.