Washington: General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday met US President Barack Obama at the White House at the beginning of a two-day visit to the United States during which he will meet with senior officials.
Shaikh Mohammad conveyed to President Obama condolences of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the victims of Boston incidents and his wishes of speedy recovery to the injured.
“The UAE condemns this act of terror and stands by all countries of the world against all acts of terrorism, regardless of their sources or motives, Shaikh Mohammad said.
President Obama asked Shaikh Mohammad to pass on his greetings to Shaikh Khalifa and his thanks for the feelings of sympathy expressed by the UAE leadership for the victims and the injured in Boston incident.
The meeting, which was attended by the UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, touched on the bilateral ties between the UAE and the United States and ways to enhance them to serve the mutual interest of the two friendly countries and peoples.
The two sides discussed initiatives that will further enhance the bilateral trade relationship, and encourage economic growth and opportunity.
They underscored the importance of the close consultations, cooperation and coordination in all domains to further strengthen relations of cooperation and friendship between the UAE and the USA.
Shaikh Mohamed exchanged views with the US President on the latest regional and international development, as well as international initiatives and efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the Middle East.
During his visit, Shaikh Mohammad also met with the US Vice President Joseph Biden and discussed with him the strong ties and shared interests between the UAE and the USA.
According to recently released US government data, the UAE is ranked among the US' fastest growing trading partners. Total bilateral trade between the two countries grew from approximately $4.5 billion in 2002 to $24.8 billion in 2012.
While in Washington on his two-day visit, the Crown Prince will also meet with senior US government officials and members of the Congress.
The Crown Prince is being accompanied on his visit by Shaikh Abdullah and other senior officials.
