photo UK MoD
Mar. 14, 2012 ameinfo.com
Philip Hammond MP, the UK's Secretary of State for Defence, has just concluded his first visit to the United Arab Emirates since being appointed to the position in October 2011.
The visit was aimed at deepening and strengthening the bilateral ties between the UK and UAE, particularly in the fields of defence and security.
During the visit Mr Hammond met His Highness Sheikh General Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The high level discussions covered areas of existing and future cooperation across the full range of bilateral issues.
Mr Hammond also visited al Dhafra Airbase and had a tour of the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJSC (Yahsat). At the site, Mr Hammond was taken around state-of-the-art ground station facilities and the visit provided an opportunity for Yahsat to demonstrate the UAE's military satellite capabilities and for discussions on the strong bilateral defence ties between the UK and UAE.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Hammond said, "My visit to the UAE has cemented further my view that the UK and UAE are natural partners in so many areas. Our defence relationship is founded in a unique history and as we broaden our relationship our two countries will work together for a future that is both secure and prosperous for our peoples."
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