Khalifa backs war on terror

UAE leaders on Sunday held talks with visiting US president George W. Bush on ways of boosting bilateral relations and on the latest developments in the region, state news agency Wam reported.

Bush, on a two-day state visit to the Emirates, met with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai at Al Mushref Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Khalifa welcomed Bush, hailing "the growing relations between the two friendly countries in all fields, particularly in political, economic, military and cultural spheres", quoted the news agency.

The president reiterated the UAE's keenness to bolster its economic partnership with the US.

Talks also touched on the Middle East peace process and Bush's discussions with Palestinian, Israeli and other Arab leaders on his tour.

The leaders discussed a wide-range of issues pertinent to maintaining security and stability in the region, including the situations in Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan, in addition to the fight against terrorism.

"The UAE is a partner in the anti-terror campaign and will exert whatever possible to achieve stability and development in the region and world as well," Sheikh Khalifa said, quoted Wam.

For his part, Bush expressed his pleasure at visiting the UAE. He also acknowledged the regional and international position the UAE has gained and economic boom it has achieved.

The US president also highlighted the UAE's role in maintaining regional and international security and peace.

He reiterated the significance of UAE-US relations, particularly in the economic, political and military fields, adding that "the US administration is looking forward to further boost and expand joint cooperation and coordination".

The talks were also attended by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and a number of Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.

US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and other members of the delegation accompanying Bush attended the talks as well.

The UAE is the third stop on Bush's whirlwind visit to the region. He will fly to Riyadh from Dubai on Monday where he will meet with leading officials including King Abdullah.

Bush’s tour, which includes stops in Israel, Palestine, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, ends on January 16.

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