UK chancellor ends 'fruitful' visit to UAE

Two-day visited focused on trade, foreign policy and defence cooperation between the UK and UAE.

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DUBAI// The UK chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, yesterday concluded his first trip to the UAE after holding talks with senior government ministers.

During the two-day visit Mr Osborne discussed trade, foreign policy and defence cooperation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Officials at the British Embassy said a range of issues were covered and described the meeting with Sheikh Mohammed as "fruitful".

"This visit to the UAE has demonstrated the unique friendship between the UAE and Britain," said Mr Osborne, in a statement issued by the British Embassy. "I have been struck by the energy we share in building an even stronger relationship - not just in the sphere of government, but in business, education and the full range of bilateral issues."

Mr Osborne said he was excited about the future of the relationship between the countries, which would benefit both nations.

Yesterday at Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, he held talks with Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, the National Security Adviser, focused on boosting trade and investment ties.

Sheikh Hazza praised relations between the countries and the positive impact the British community had made to the UAE's economy and culture. He welcomed the progress made by the UAE-UK Taskforce during its recent seventh meeting in London.

Mr Osborne also met with Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of Supreme Fiscal Committee. Also involved in talks were Khaldoon Khalifa Ahmed Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala, and Sultan bin Nasser Al Suweidi, Governor of the Central Bank, said the state news agency, Wam.