ABU DHABI — Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo reiterated on Tuesday their commitment to further develop bilateral ties and solidify the close partnership between the two countries through a new strategic dialogue initiative.

The initiative, which is led by senior government officials from both countries, provides a framework to discuss cooperation in eight areas: political partnership; security cooperation; law enforcement and border security; intelligence and counterterrorism; human rights; economic, energy, and commercial partnership; cultural and academic exchanges; and space partnership.

"The UAE will be celebrating our 50th anniversary (in 2021), but we also will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the relations between our two nations," said Sheikh Abdullah at the opening of the virtual launch of the Inaugural US-UAE Strategic Dialogue.

Noting the two countries' joint work to ensure regional stability, promote prosperity and encourage inclusion, Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the newly established Strategic Dialogue as a mechanism to facilitate even greater cooperation. "I’m sure with fewer barriers between us, and more efforts, and more good work, we can achieve much more," said Sheikh Abdullah.

According to Sheikh Abdullah, one of the key pillars of the bilateral relationship is the growing trade and investment relationship between the two countries. The UAE has been the top export destination for the US in the Middle East for the past 11 years, and these deepening ties help spur innovation and create jobs in both countries.

Sheikh Abdullah also praised the US Administration for its efforts for peace in the Middle East.

"Not so long ago, I was honored to be on the White House lawn, celebrating the Abraham Accords. Today, we see another important milestone in the relationship between the UAE and Israel," he said, referring to the UAE delegation’s important visit to Israel on Tuesday.

Sheikh Abdullah said the Abraham Accords would not have been possible without the persistence of the Trump Administration, and the personal efforts of Secretary Pompeo and his team. They have been committed to working toward a broader relationship with the UAE and the region to bring peace and prosperity, he stressed.

The UAE decided 19 years ago to join the US-led efforts against terror following the 9/11 terrorist attack in the US, Sheikh Abdullah said.

"The voices of extremism and radicalism are still gaining momentum. We saw that recently in Paris and we have to double down on our efforts together in overcoming these extreme radical voices," he emphasized.

"There is no doubt in my mind that your administration and many countries around the world are willing and capable (to fight terrorism). We have to make sure our efforts succeed," Sheikh Abdullah stressed.

He also highlighted the relevance of the 123 Agreement the UAE signed with the US in 2009 for peaceful nuclear cooperation that enhances international standards of nuclear non-proliferation, safety and security.

"(The agreement) was considered a gold standard. That gold standard is a blessing today. We look at the concerns of all of us on Iran’s nuclear program. And we believe that nuclear gold standard [as stipulated in the 123 Agreement] should be applied to Iran as well," he made clear.

Secretary of State Pompeo said the UAE and US relationship has been growing deeper and broader, and the inaugural US-UAE Strategic Dialogue is evidence of that.

Abraham Accords will create more opportunities for peace in the Middle East and across the world, he observed.

"President Trump had described the UAE as a nation full of hope," he said.

"The Trump administration prioritizes this relationship so highly. We work alongside (each other) for peace in many other countries across the Middle East," Secretary Pompeo explained.

Both nations value protection of religious freedoms, human rights, and action against human trafficking. "We both engage in a number of regional issues, including Libya and Yemen," the Secretary said.

"We stand together on the international stage (on many issues) and we are working together to hold peace and security in the region," Secretary Pompeo said.

Following the launch event, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and John Rakolta Jr., the US Ambassador to the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding between the government of the UAE and the government of the US on the creation of a Strategic Dialogue.

Dr. Gargash and Ambassador Rakolta chaired the first UAE-US Strategic Dialogue session and discussed bilateral ties and ways of developing them in a variety of areas, most notably the political, security, legal, economic, commercial, investment, energy, space, and counter-terrorism areas in addition to cooperation on human rights.

They also discussed a number of regional and international topics of mutual concern. — WAM