US defence chief arrives in the UAE

Abu Dhabi: US Defence Secretary Robert Gates flew into the UAE on Thursday for talks with the Gulf state's leaders.

Gates was to meet General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

They are expected to discuss "a range of bilateral and regional security issues," press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters.

Gates, who arrived in Abu Dhabi from two nights in Afghanistan, also planned to give Shaikh Mohammad an update on the war effort, Morrell said.