Abu Dhabi: The UAE and UK reaffirmed their deep friendship on Thursday when the two nations' Foreign Ministers signed the Abu Dhabi Declaration.
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and William Hague, signed the declaration as a reaffirmation of the 1971 treaty of friendship, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of York.
The ministers also signed three other documents: on civil nuclear cooperation; consular affairs; and visa affairs. The visa agreement is a mutual exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic or private passports.
"I'm delighted to see so many British gathered here today, who've contributed to our society," Shaikh Abdullah said at the signing, which took place as part of a UK-UAE partnership event organised by the British Embassy.
"There have been many changes in the country since your last visit… I'm proud to sign the Abu Dhabi Declaration, reaffirming the 1971 treaty of friendship," he said. Hague also said he was "delighted" to reaffirm the original treaty.
Common interests
"Britain and the UAE share a friendship that is rooted in history and is reinforced by common interests, mutual respect and daily contact between our people. A million British citizens visit the UAE every year, and over 100,000 enjoy the benefits of living and working in your country. Tens of thousands of Emiratis have completed their studies in the United Kingdom or are doing so at this very moment, and many others are regular and valued visitors to our shores. Our militaries fight side by side in Afghanistan and our law enforcement officials work closely together, contributing to our mutual security. And we enjoy flourishing economic and commercial ties which we greatly value in the United Kingdom and which contribute to the prosperity of both our countries," he said.
"We congratulate DP World on its investment in the London Gateway project. The British government is committed to a relationship based on trust and equality," Hague said.
The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York were given presentations on British and Emirati partnerships in 10 sectors.
Also present at the signing ceremony was Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdul Raheem Al Awadhi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, and Dominic Jermey, the UK's ambassador to the UAE.
Areas of interest
The 1971 UK-UAE Friendship Treaty, signed in Dubai on December 2, 1971, recorded UK-UAE determination that "relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship."
It confirmed that the UK and the UAE would consult together on matters of mutual concern in times of need; encouraged educational, scientific and cultural cooperation; and recognised close relations in the field of commerce.
The 2010 Abu Dhabi Declaration, reaffirming the 1971 Treaty of Friendship, celebrates strong cooperation between the UK and the UAE in areas such as defence and security, energy, business, education and culture.
Source: British Embassy
