Queen praises UAE's role in helping poor nations

London: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday met Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. They discussed bilateral relations and ways to cement them.

The talks also dwelt on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in different parts of the world due to wars, famine and natural disasters which make it mandatory for the international community to honour moral and humanitarian commitments towards the poor and needy.

The Queen praised the humanitarian stance of the UAE and its role in extending medical, food and educational assistance to poor nations around the globe. She referred to the charity organisations and their contributions to alleviating the suffering of poor communities and their efforts to provide livelihood, education and treatment to underprivileged categories, especially children and patients.

Meeting with Miliband

Earlier, Shaikh Mohammad met British Foreign Minister David Miliband and discussed the relations and cooperation between the two nations, as well as other issues pertaining to peace and justice in the Middle East in the light of security and economic instability in the region due to failure of the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

The British official lauded the role of the UAE's sound leadership in contributing to international and regional efforts to promote peace and co-existence between peoples of the world as well as its role in enhancing global economy.

Shaikh Mohammad was briefed by Miliband on the course of the talks by six world powers on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group; and members of the delegation were present.