UAE Foreign Minister to Meet With US Government Officials in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, DC (12 December 2011) – His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs, today began a working visit to Washington, DC, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, senior Obama Administration officials and Members of Congress to discuss regional issues, and other areas of mutual interest. During the visit, His Highness will emphasize to US officials the deep bilateral relationship between the UAE and US, and seek to enhance future cooperation.

As allies and friends, the UAE and the US share a common interest to preserve security and stability in the Middle East region, and to broadly confront extremism and terrorism. The UAE is one of only three countries -- and the only Arab nation -- to participate with the US in five coalition actions over the last 20 years: in Somalia, Bosnia, the First Gulf War, Afghanistan and, most recently, in Libya.

During the visit, His Highness will also discuss bilateral trade initiatives and US exports to the UAE. The UAE is currently the US’ largest export market in the Middle East. In 2010, the UAE imported over $11 billion worth of goods from the US.

While in Washington, DC, His Highness will also convey greetings and best wishes on behalf of the UAE government to US officials.

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