UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps met in Abu Dhabi to discuss their bilateral defence cooperation and the latest developments in the region.
The discussion, which took place in Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Shati on Thursday, also covered the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, where the pair suggested measures to de-escalate the worsening situation in the occupied Palestinian territory that threatens to jeopardise the stability and security of the region, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Also in attendance was the UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed; Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad; Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi; Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Member of the Executive Council Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak; and the delegation accompanying UK Defence Secretary Shapps.
Shapps’ trip came as part of a visit to the region to hold talks with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to “drive forward work to maintain regional stability, protect civilians and strengthen the UK’s defence partnerships” a UK government statement said.
The Defence Secretary visited Saudi Arabia on Wednesday where he held talks with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh.
“I’m here in the Middle East to work with some of our most valued defence partners to prevent escalation and protect all civilians,” said Shapps.
“Only by working together can we stop more innocent families being plunged into suffering.”
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