Dallas: Yousuf Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, highlighted the deep commercial and cultural ties between the UAE and the state of Texas, and reinforced the strength of bilateral relations between the UAE and the US.
During his visit to Dallas, Texas, this week, the Ambassador delivered a keynote address at the John G. Tower Centre for Political Studies at Southern Methodist University. The event was co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth and the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations (DCFR).
Coming just three weeks before the American presidential election, the ambassador’s speech focused on the importance of the UAE-US bilateral security relationship. Specifically, the ambassador underscored the importance of continued US engagement with its closest allies in the region to address the most pressing security challenges, including defeating Daesh and countering radical extremism.
“While the UAE and our Gulf partners are actively taking on a broader leadership role in the region, US involvement remains indispensable to help address today’s challenges,” said Al Otaiba. “Deeper US engagement with long-standing partners will not only help in confronting threats but it will also give the US an opportunity to work with countries like the UAE to carve out a positive path forward in the Middle East,” he said.
He also reiterated the critical need for the US to work closely with its allies to address Iran’s destabilising activities in the region. “Working together, we must take concrete steps to check Iran’s aggression and make sure they are contributing to a constructive path for the region, not undermining our collective progress,” said Al Otaiba.
Al Otaiba also reinforced the shared US and UAE priority to confront extremism in Yemen and throughout the region. “Working together, I am fully confident in our ability to sustain this military effort. And, to be clear again, the UAE is active in this fight with boots on the ground and wings in the air. Beyond the battlefield, we must continue to intensify our collective efforts in the area of countering violent extremism,” said Al Otaiba.
Among US states, Texas is the second largest merchandise exporter to the UAE, with exports surpassing more than $2 billion (Dh7.35 billion) last year, growing more than 500 per cent since 1999. The robust trade relationship with the UAE supports approximately 31,000 jobs across the state of Texas. Texas is also a major commercial aviation hub for the UAE. Emirates airline, based in Dubai, flies non-stop flights to Houston and Dallas. Etihad Airways flies non-stop from Dallas to Abu Dhabi.
Exports from Texas make up nearly 11 per cent of total US exports to the UAE. Top exports from Texas in 2014 included drilling equipment, aircraft parts, surveying equipment, and automotive exports.
