Tory chief vows to bolster relations with the UAE

London:  His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday visited the headquarters of Britain's opposition Conservative Party and met party leader David Cameron.

Shaikh Mohammad and the British opposition leader exchanged views on a variety of topics including investment, economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Praising Shaikh Mohammad's visit to the United Kingdom, Cameron said it created the opportunity to learn more about the ideas and personality of Shaikh Mohammad, as well as to exchange views on the future of the historically friendly relations between the UAE and Britain which are based on mutual respect and common interests.

He also hailed the UAE's amazing progress in all sectors, especially infrastructure, education, health care and service areas, which he said set the base for a global tourism industry.

Cameron said his party will safeguard and strengthen British policies towards the UAE and the region if his party wins the general elections in 2010.

Shaikh Mohammad also visited Alderman Nick Anstee, Lord Mayor of London, at Mansion House.

He wrote a note in the guestbook and expressed his happiness at visiting Mansion House, which reflects the history and civilisation of the British people, adding that the visit gave him an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations with the Lord Mayor.

A banquet was held in honour of the Vice-President by the Mayor.

Later, Shaikh Mohammad visited the London Business College.

He attended part of a lecture at the Dubai Lecture Hall.