WASHINGTON: Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held several meetings with senior members of Congress during his visit to Washington on Thursday.
Shaikh Abdullah met with Senator Chris Murphy (Connecticut), Representative Mark Meadows (North Carolina), Senator Chris Coons (Delaware), Senator Michael Bennet (Colorado), Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia) and Representative and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Maryland).
During the meetings, Shaikh Abdullah emphasised the strong UAE-US bilateral relationship and the shared commitment of the two countries to intensify the fight against terrorism, including ongoing joint planning and increased operations to defeat AQAP, Al Shabab, Daesh and other extremist groups in the region.
Shaikh Abdullah also briefed the members of Congress on the diplomatic and economic measures taken by the UAE and other responsible nations against Qatar, in order to stop its financial support for extremist organisations and its meddling in the affairs of other countries.
Shaikh Abdullah also discussed the importance of close cooperation between the UAE and US to address other regional security matters, including Iran’s ongoing interference in the stability of neighbouring states, and the situation in Yemen. Shaikh Abdullah stressed the UAE’s continued efforts to help obtain a political solution to the conflict in Yemen, and also underscored the UAE’s humanitarian assistance for the Yemeni people.
The meetings underscored the UAE’s vital role as a model of regional stability, progress and openness in the Middle East. As such, Shaikh Abdullah outlined the positive agenda for the region’s future, which includes greater opportunities for young people, more emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, and advancing the position of women in all areas.
Shaikh Abdullah was accompanied at the meetings by UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousuf Al Otaiba.
