Khalifa and Bush discuss regional issues and explore ways to boost ties

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and visiting US President George W. Bush talked on ways to boost bilateral relations in various domains at Al Mushrif Palace on Sunday. They also discussed the latest regional developments.

Shaikh Khalifa welcomed President Bush, hailing “the growing relations between the two friendly countries in all fields, particularly in political, economic, military and cultural spheres''. Shaikh Khalifa reiterated the UAE's keenness to bolster its distinguished economic partnership with the US.
The leaders also talked about Middle East peace process in light of Bush's tour in the region and his talks with Palestinian, Israeli and Arab leaders.

The two head of states also discussed a wide-range of issues pertaining to security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region, situation in Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan and fight against terrorism.

“The UAE is a partner in the anti-terror campaign and will exert whatever possible to achieve stability and development in the region and world as well,'' Shaikh Khalifa said, highlighting the role of US in maintaining security in the Arabian Gulf region and activating the Middle East peace as per Bush's vision of setting up a viable Palestinian state based on the road map and the Arab peace initiative.
Bush acknowledged the regional and international position the UAE has gained and the economic boom the country has achieved, which he termed as an example to be emulated.

The US president also highlighted the UAE's role in maintaining regional and international security and peace.
He reiterated the significance of the UAE-US ties in all fields, particularly, economic, political and military fields, adding that “the US administration is looking forward to further boost and expand joint cooperation and coordination''.

The talks were attended from the UAE side by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and a number of Shaikhs, ministers and senior officials.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other members of the delegation accompanying president Bush also attended the talks.