Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed met Donald Trump for talks in Washington on Monday, as the White House announced a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Sitting alongside one another in the Oval Office, the US president called Sheikh Mohammed a “very special person” who loves his country and loves the US.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces is in the US on a two-day visit. A key goal of his time in Washington will be to help Mr Trump prepare for his visit to Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his first trip overseas since taking office.
In the Oval Office, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, including on counterterrorism and efforts to contain Iran’s regional ambitions, as well as bilateral trade and investment.
After speaking to Mr Trump, Sheikh Mohammed met the US secretary of defence, James Mattis.
The wars in Yemen, Syria and Libya are also expected to be raised during the Crown Prince’s two days in the US capital.
On Tuesday, the UAE delegation will hold talks with the secretary of state. Sheikh Mohammed is also expected to brief members of congress on the UAE’s counterterrorism efforts in Yemen, its unilateral humanitarian efforts in the country and through the United Nations, and the Emirates’ intensified role in political negotiations to bring an end to the increasingly complex conflict.
Mr Trump visits Riyadh this weekend.
foreign.desk@thenational.ae
