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UAE Approves US Diplomatic Mediation for a Regional Solution | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Shaikh Abdullah during a meeting with Rex Tillerson in Washington
Image Credit:WAM


Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the country’s International Cooperation minister, approved on Wednesday the proposition on stabilizing the country put forth with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

The proposition also addresses the means to tackle US-UAE common interest and US mediation for a diplomatic solution tackling all regional turmoil.

Shaikh Abdullah thanked Secretary Tillerson for taking the lead to engage and strengthen America’s relationship with its key regional partners and for his assertive approach against extremism and aggression.

The top UAE diplomat also briefed Tillerson on diplomatic and economic measures taken by UAE and a bloc of other nations against Qatar for incessant support it provides to extremist individuals and groups. They also discussed the media factor Doha played in promoting radical agendas.

More so, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed reaffirmed UAE’s vital role as a model of regional stability, progress and openness in the Middle East. In addition, he and Secretary Tillerson discussed a 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.

Earlier in the day, Shaikh Abdullah met with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The Foreign Minister and Secretary discussed joint efforts to shut down terror finance networks and the UAE’s recent blacklisting of 59 individuals and 12 groups for funding terrorism.

The two senior officials noted the importance of maintaining an open investment environment that has contributed to the US in $19 billion trade surplus with the UAE in 2016, the third-largest US investor globally.

Supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs, the UAE remains the US’ largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa region, a position it has held for eight consecutive years.

Shaikh Abdullah also conducted meetings with National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster and Deputy National Security Advisor Dina Powell. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to enhance regional security.

He also briefed the senior officials on the steps the UAE and other nations were taking to address and confront Qatar’s support for extremism in the region. They also discussed ongoing joint operations and planning to defeat al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Al Shabab, ISIS and other extremist groups in the region.

During his visit, Shaikh Abdullah also met with senior congressional leaders. The meetings held mark the beginning of Shaikh Abdullah’s two-day visit to Washington, DC, which will also involve discussions with other senior officials. Accompanying Shaikh Abdullah in the meetings was Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US.