UAE and US working to address Iran's meddling policies, Anwar Gargash says

Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the country's relationship with the US is strong on a range of strategic, security and economic matters, during a visit to Washington. In meetings with senior US government officials and policy analysts, Dr Gargash discussed several key issues in the region, namely what the UAE views as Iran's meddling foreign policy. "Through deep co-operation on joint security priorities, the UAE and the US are working together to address Iran’s destabilising role in the region and defeat extremism," he said. Dr Gargash also discussed ongoing efforts – undertaken in close co-operation with the UN, humanitarian organisations and other charity organisations – to achieve a political solution to the situation in Yemen. "The UAE’s partnership with the US is grounded in a shared outlook for a more peaceful, prosperous Middle East region," he said. He expressed support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and called on the Iran-backed Houthis to end their obstruction of peace efforts, honour their commitments to withdraw from Hodeidah city and ports, and allow aid to reach those in need. The Arab Coalition, of which the UAE is a key member, accuses the Houthis of failing to adhere to the terms of a peace agreement signed in Sweden last year. Dr Gargash reaffirmed the UAE's support for the Stockholm agreement as a basis for transition to peace in Yemen and Abu Dhabi's commitment to a political solution. "In a turbulent and dangerous region, the UAE is unwavering in its commitment to the core values of stability, tolerance and peaceful co-existence. These principles have guided the UAE since its founding nearly 48 years ago," he said. Dr Gargash praised the dedicated efforts of the humanitarian organisations that are providing relief in Hodeidah and other areas of Yemen, and highlighted the UAE's endeavour to deliver aid. Dr Gargash also said UAE-US co-operation to counter extremist groups such as Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS was growing, as well as joint action to block terrorist financing.

UAE and US working to address Iran's meddling policies, Anwar Gargash says

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs official met with senior figures in Washington to work on bilateral ties