United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom strengthen their cooperation in the field of trade

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson received yesterday the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both leaders expressed, during the meeting, their continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

Both sides agreed to increase cooperation on trade and investment, research and development and climate change, and to strengthen both economies, according to a joint statement issued after their meeting. The joint statement also refers to cooperation on health, renewable energy, space, infrastructure, education, tourism, food security, financial and professional services.

Before the UK hosts COP26 next year, the Prime Minister and the Sheikh agreed on the importance of addressing climate change and discussed how to work more closely together to boost renewable energy production.

Regional security and foreign policy issues were discussed throughout the meeting. The Prime Minister also reiterated his support for the recent agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalise relations and expressed his hope that this historic step would be the beginning of a new and prosperous phase of relations between the countries of the region based on cooperation and coexistence for the benefit of generations. 

Johnson did not miss the opportunity to praise the United Arab Emirates for its efforts in combating the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), saying: "I think it has been extremely effective, truly remarkable".

For his part, the Crown Sheik wanted to emphasise the desire of the UAE to work with Britain to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. He also stressed that regional interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries is a major source of instability and the spread of chaos, extremism and terrorism in the region.

Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan pointed out the UAE's aspiration for an effective British role in addressing these interventions and supporting efforts to resolve crises in the region through dialogue and diplomatic means. Always respecting the sovereignty of states.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.