UAE and US increase diplomatic immunity of consular staff

The move is described as testament to the value that the US and UAE place on the safety of their consular teams

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks while Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, right, listen during a press conference on Israel and Bahrain establishing full diplomatic ties in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020.  Bahrain will become the second Gulf nation to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel, joining the United Arab Emirates in normalizing ties with the Jewish state. Photographer: Anna Moneymaker/The New York Times/Bloomberg
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The UAE and the US have signed an agreement to increase the diplomatic privileges and immunity of Emirati and American consular staff serving in both countries.

The "Enhanced Consular Privileges and Immunities Agreement" will strengthen the ability of consular staff to advance national interests and protect the interests of citizens.

The agreement "is a testament to the value that the United States and the UAE place on the safety and morale of their consular teams", said the US Department of State.

"The UAE continues to be an important strategic partner in maintaining stability in the Gulf, protecting American interests in the Middle East and ensuring the free flow of commerce throughout the Gulf region," it said.

"We are grateful for the strong bilateral partnership we continue to have with the UAE and look forward to future initiatives."