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Abu Dhabi / WAM
Political science experts and analysts have described the close relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America as strategic and dynamic.
The UAE’s inspiring model in various developmental, economic and foreign policy fields, explains the United State’s interest in communicating directly with the UAE’s leadership.
UAE-US relations, which began since the US was one of the first countries to recognise the UAE’s union in 1971, are diverse with economic, commercial, security, military, cultural and scientific dimensions, and are based on mutual understanding, respect, with a common political understanding for future growth and cooperation between the two states.
The UAE is the largest trading partner of the US in the Middle East, with trade reaching US$25.7 billion in 2016, placing the country, for the eighth consecutive year, as the first US export destination in the region.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), political science experts said that the US views the UAE as a model of moderation, and an active partner in fighting terrorism and extremism. The US also appreciates the UAE’s role as influential actor in restoring stability and peace to the
Middle East region.
The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, attaches great importance to strengthening bilateral relations with the US in various fields to achieve the aspirations of their peoples on the basis of mutual respect, trust and common interests. Political experts stressed that the UAE views the US as a strategic ally and a key player in achieving security and stability in the region.
The meeting of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with US President Donald Trump, boosts political and diplomatic coordination on regional issues and supports strategic relations between the two friendly countries.
Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Education Council and Chairman of the Steering Board of Hedayah, said that the UAE recognises the role of the United States in dealing with current regional challenges as indispensable towards achieving an active course in the Middle East by strengthening regional security, economic prosperity, and addressing pressing challenges around the world.
Dr Al Nuaimi also said that the US recognises the UAE’s firm position and its pivotal role in stabilising the region, saying that both sides believe that their cooperation is necessary to eliminate the phenomenon of terrorism. He added that the UAE believes that extremism and terrorism have no religion or identity, and the groups which raise false ideologies aim at hiding their criminal reality in distributing chaos and destruction.
He continued, “The two sides also agree on the principles of tolerance and co-existence in the region and the world as a whole, by renouncing extremism, intolerance, and violence to achieve the interests of the peoples
and deepen international
cooperation.”
Ahmed Mohammed Al Jarwan, Speaker of the Arab Parliament and member of the Federal National Council (FNC), confirmed that the timing of the visit clearly reflects the UAE’s diplomatic and political status in the world. He explained that the UAE has become one of the most important political players in the region
due to its wise diplomacy and its leading humanitarian presence.
Al Jarwan said that the talks between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Trump, before the president’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adds a profound strategic dimension that emphasises the world’s appreciation for His Highness’s wise political positions and deep understanding of the challenges facing the region, especially in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
He pointed out that the leadership of the two countries diplomatically and militarily drew the attention of the world to the role of the Gulf in resolving regional issues, and the ability of Saudi Arabia and the UAE with their political presence in playing crucial roles within the region.
Dr Ateeq Jakka, a Political Science Associate Professor at UAE University, said that the meeting has many positive indicators which will be reflected in further cooperation between the two countries. He also referred to the UAE’s substantial role in combating terrorism and extremism in the Middle East, in addition to its efforts in fighting against Daesh and
describing the state as a model of moderation in a turbulent region.
Dr Jakka said that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed takes upon himself a great responsibility and a noble goal of “improving the image of Arabs and Muslims in the world” through a number of ways, most notably the nation’s vision to build an environment of peaceful coexistence far from hatred and rejection of the other.
He also stressed that the UAE-US Summit reflected the American interest in the UAE, which represents a prominent force in the region that is difficult to ignore, as well as the existing relations between the two countries. Dr. Jakka concluded that the meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and President Trump comes to support these visions through mechanisms that will positively reflect on the reality of the bilateral relations between the two countries and the future of the region.
‘Mohamed-Trump meet has set stage for highly-important phase in UAE, US ties’
Abu Dhabi / WAM
US media highlighted a Monday summit meeting at the White House between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, noting that it has set the stage for a new and highly-important phase in the historic and strategic relations between the UAE and the United States.
Their talks covered ways of promoting and consolidating bilateral relations as well as international issues with a focus on the war on terrorism and crises in the Middle East. It was their first face-to-face meeting since Trump took office in January, according to the Associated Press.
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Washington comes days before Trump travels to Saudi Arabia for a summit with Muslim leaders.
Sitting alongside one another in the Oval Office, Trump called Sheikh Mohamed a “very special person” who loves his country and loves the U.S., the Washington Times said.
As he welcomed Sheikh Mohamed into the Oval Office, Trump told reporters it was a “great honor” and gave a nod to their long relationship.
“He is special. I respect him, and I’ve known him for a long time,” the paper reported.
He said Sheikh Mohamed “loves his country. I can tell you that, loves his country. And I think [he] loves the United States, which to us is very important.”
“Mr. Trump set the itinerary to show that he is not a foe of the Muslim world and underscore the urgent need for stronger partnerships across the Middle East,” the Washington Times said.
Fox News Business noted that the UAE-US relationship “is being reset as two strong partners defeating terror in the world… These two allies work together to fight against extremism and terror.”
In a report titled “Trump – Abu Dhabi Meeting Offers Middle East Reset”, the network said “these meetings come at a critical time as the war on terror is heating up.”
Developments in the region “are making our mutual relationship more critical than ever.”
The report said that the Trump doctrine of taking quick, decisive action against terrorists or foes that cross red lines is much more welcome in the region.