London: Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday underlined the importance of the historic visit of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the United Kingdom at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.
In a statement to WAM, he said: "This state visit has a special dimension in the development of the UAE-British relations," noting that, besides, the symbolism of the visit, it has taken on a political dimension, which was reflected in the discussions on Tuesday between Shaikh Khalifa and Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle.
During their talks, the two sides discussed a number of regional and international issues. Gargash said the official meeting between the UAE President and the British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street later on Wednesday will discuss bilateral cooperation in the regional and international issues of mutual interest.
He added that Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Foreign Minister, will hold talks with the British Foreign Secretary William Hague. The two sides will discuss the situation in Yemen.
They will pledge support to the efforts being exerted to restore the security and stability across Somalia, as well as boosting concerted international efforts to help the Horn of Africa nation, Somalia, address the humanitarian and development situations there, he said.
Gargash reiterated that the UAE President's visit will have huge impact on the relations between the two friendly countries, especially in the areas of politics, defence, economy, education, health, culture and others.
Meanwhile, a joint fund of Dh11.6 million to help Somalia tackle the issue of sexual violence in conflict is to be announced on Wednesday by UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and British Foreign Minister William Hague, at the end of bilateral talks at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, according to a statement issued early on Wednesday.
The new funding, agreed during the first state visit to the UK by Shaikh Khalifa comes ahead of a major London conference on Somalia on May 7, during which tackling sexual violence will be discussed. The Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) is a top British priority, supported by the UAE.
The Federal Government of Somalia has publicly committed to improving the lives of women in Somalia, addressing the problem of sexual violence and combating the impunity that surrounds these terrible crimes. The £2 million (£1 million each from the UK and UAE) will provide support to the Federal Government, including training and capacity-building and help to deliver PSVI recommendations due to be made by the United Nations Team of Experts when they visit Somalia later in 2013.
Commenting on the announcement, Shaikh Abdullah said: “The UAE applauds the UK’s strong leadership in bringing countries together to tackle the unacceptable prevalence of sexual violence in conflict situations. Through this contribution, the UAE is delighted to be able to support the Somali government in its efforts to protect and empower women."
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “Women and girls in Somalia have suffered acutely from sexual violence as a result of the conflict. I am pleased that through the UK’s close partnership with the United Arab Emirates we can go some way to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to address this issue and improve the lives of women and girls.”
The funding will be used to build the Federal Government's capacity to tackle the issue of sexual violence and to support the Federal Government in delivering on recommendations due to made by the Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict's office following an assessment of the issues in Somalia by a Team of Experts.
