H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday conducted several meetings with senior members of Congress during his visit to Washington DC.
Yesterday was Sheikh Abdullah’s second day of meetings in the US capital.
Sheikh Abdullah met with Sen. Chris Murphy (Connecticut), Representative Mark Meadows (North Carolina), Sen. Chris Coons (Delaware), Sen. Michael Bennet (Colorado), Sen. Tim Kaine (Virginia) and Representative and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Maryland).
During the meetings, Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the strong UAE-US bilateral relationship and the shared commitment of the two countries to intensify the fight against terrorism, including ongoing joint planning and increased operations to defeat AQAP, Al Shabab, ISIS and other extremist groups in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah also briefed the members of Congress on the diplomatic and economic measures taken by the UAE and other responsible nations against Qatar, in order to stop its financial support for extremist organisations and its meddling in the affairs of other countries.
Sheikh Abdullah also discussed the importance of close cooperation between the UAE and US to address other regional security matters, including Iran’s ongoing interference in the stability of neighboring states, and the situation in Yemen. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the UAE's continued efforts to help obtain a political solution to the conflict in Yemen, and also underscored the UAE’s humanitarian assistance Yemeni people during this time.
The meetings underscored the UAE’s vital role as a model of regional stability, progress and openness in the Middle East. As such, Sheikh Abdullah outlined the 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.
Sheikh Abdullah was accompanied at today’s meetings by UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba.

Source: WAM