Abu Dhabi Crown Prince to visit the UK on Thursday

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will begin an official visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday.

He will deliberate with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the prospects of consolidating strategic cooperation between the two nations, official news agency WAM reported.

The two leaders will also review issues of interest and the latest developments in the Middle East region.

They are expected to launch a new ‘Partnership for the Future’ plan during the visit, building on the strong relationship between the two countries and setting a broad foundation for future cooperation, according to local media reports.

Sheikh Mohamed previously visited the UK in December 2020 when he met with Boris Johnson.

It was a pleasure meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today. We discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Middle East and also strengthening and developing the relationship between our two nations. pic.twitter.com/pJFYI2Qbvd

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) December 10, 2020

Sheikh Mohamed’s UK trip comes after his visit to France on Wednesday, where he met with President Emmanuel Macron.

I was pleased to meet with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris today, where we discussed our shared interest in deepening the strong and longstanding strategic ties between the UAE and France, as well as regional and international developments. pic.twitter.com/VWlewaf4YE

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 15, 2021

The two leaders discussed the historic bilateral ties between the two countries and the strategic partnership between them, especially in sectors such as security and defence, a joint statement said.

With respect to Afghanistan, the French President renewed his appreciation for the UAE’s support for evacuation operations and its humanitarian assistance. “Both sides also emphasised the need for the respect of the rights of women and girls, minorities, a guarantee of a safe return to schools, and the resumption of Covid-19 vaccinations,” the statement said.

Both countries emphasised the significance of the Abraham Accords in promoting tolerance and coexistence in the region, and also reaffirmed their support to the reform efforts underway in Iraq.

The two leaders also called for broadening the partnership to new areas. They agreed to work on ideating future cultural cooperation projects and identified health as a key area of cooperation.

Both leaders also decided to cooperate closely in the UN Security Council, which the UAE will join in January.

They also announced the creation of a French-UAE Business Council, to further stimulate economic exchanges between the two countries.