UAE leaders meet British premier

LONDON // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met the British prime minister Gordon Brown as part of his official visit to the UK, according to WAM, the state news agency. During the meeting at 10 Downing Street, Sheikh Mohammed, the UAE Prime Minister, and Mr Brown reviewed the political and economic situation regionally and internationally.

Both leaders stressed the importance of trying to bring peace to conflict-stricken areas including Afghanistan and those in the Middle East. They also discussed strengthening ties between the UAE and the UK in areas such as education, investment and commerce, as well as joint efforts to mitigate the effects of the global economic downturn. Mr Brown said he was impressed with the quick recovery made by the UAE economy, praising the country's efforts to protect investments.

Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Brown emphasised the importance of co-operation between the two countries regarding medical and civil nuclear technologies. The bilateral meeting was also attended by other UAE leaders including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. * WAM