"Deep friendship between the UK and UAE" - PM
The Prime Minister described the friendship between the United Arab Emirates and UK as deep and based on a "unique, shared history and common interests".
The PM completed his visit to the UAE on Saturday 12 June after meeting President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
He also met members of the UAE Cabinet and senior state officials during his brief visit to the country.
Following his meeting, the PM said:
The deep friendship between the UK and the UAE is based on a unique, shared history and common interests. But even more important than these is our common future. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation on defence and security, as long-standing friends with shared vital interests.
Also, with so many important business relationships and investments in both our countries, we both want to build and develop our economic ties.
This was one of Mr Cameron’s first overseas visits as Prime Minister, highlighting the importance that the UK government attaches to the UK-UAE relationship.
The PM’s visit followed a visit by Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, to the UAE on 6-7 June. Foreign Secretary William Hague has also invited the UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to visit London.