Foreign Minister Receives British Counterpart

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, hosted William Hague MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi. In bilateral discussions, Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Hague addressed regional developments and several issues of mutual concern.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the strong links of friendship between the two countries and looked forward to continuing their cooperation in several spheres, including energy, education, economy and investment. Reflecting this cooperation, Ministers signed an agreement to initiate a joint project to build an important highway in Afghanistan.

Sheikh Abdullah hailed the project as "a demonstration of the UAE and the UK's commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan." Once built, the new road will play a significant part in the development of Afghanistan's economy. The meeting was followed by a dinner hosted by Sheikh Abdullah at the Emirates Palace.

The British Foreign Secretary also addressed an informal gathering of senior officials and members of the UAE diplomatic corps alongside UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi.