| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 23, 2006 Secretary Rice Meets With Leaders of the United Arab EmiratesSheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, and U.A.E. Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also attended the meeting. In addition to the regional issues mentioned in the joint statement of GCC countries and the United States, the discussion included the on-going Free Trade Agreement negotiations where the two countries reiterated their desire to achieve a comprehensive agreement. The FTA would further enhance the current U.S.-U.A.E. trade relationship, boost foreign investment and create job opportunities for citizens of both countries. The U.A.E. is the third-largest trading partner of the United States in the Middle East. The two sides also discussed ways to improve their close cooperation in the war on terror. The U.A.E. reaffirmed its stance against terrorism and its commitment to continue to support and cooperate with the international community in this endeavor. In this respect, the U.A.E. side expressed appreciation to United States President George W. Bush and his administration for their support of the U.A.E. efforts. The close cooperation in various other fields is a testament to the strong bilateral ties and the strategic relationship the two countries enjoy. Both sides expressed the need to strengthen and enhance these ties and for further cooperation to help improve understanding between the United States and its friends.
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