UK Minister visits UAE to strengthen bilateral ties
Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa conducted a two-day visit of the UAE between 15 and 16 September
During the visit Minister Burt led the UK delegation for the second meeting of the UK/UAE Taskforce with UAE Minister of State, Dr Anwar Gargash. The Taskforce agreed a range of areas in which the two countries would look to extend and deepen cooperation over the next twelve months, including defence and security; trade and investment; energy and climate change; international development; culture, education, health and sport; and consular relations. The Taskforce also agreed that UAE and UK policymakers should actively share expertise and experience, and in that regard discussed Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and the Middle East peace Process. Read the full communique
Minister Burt also had the opportunity to meet Her Excellency Reem al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State to discuss the strength of the bilateral relationship and to meet with key members of the business community including with Dubai Ports World. At the new British Council offices in Dubai Minister Burt had a lively debate with young Arab leaders in the education, media and creative arts sectors on practical ways of how the ties between the UK and UAE can be furthered strengthened.