H.E. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Presents Credentials to President Bush

H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, the new United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador in Washington, DC, presented his credentials to President George W. Bush at the White House on Monday, July 28th.

"The UAE enjoys a broad and comprehensive relationship with the United States, based on mutual interests," Ambassador Al Otaiba said after his meeting with President Bush. "I was sent here by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a clear mission: to further strengthen the UAE's relationship with the United States."

"The current state of UAE-US relations is excellent," continued Ambassador Al Otaiba. "We share common interests to advance peace and security, promote economic stability and growth, and forge closer cultural and educational ties."

To access the related press release issued by the UAE Embassy in Washingon, DC, click here. For H.E. Ambassador Al Otaiba's biography, click here.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Visits Camp David

President Bush hosted H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at Camp David this past weekend. According to media reports,the two leaders were expected to discuss economic matters, joint counterterrorism efforts, Iran's influence in the region, and high oil prices.

The Associated Press writes that the invitation to Camp David is a sign of the strength of UAE-US relations, and of "just how important the United States considers the tiny emirate" of Dubai. H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid's overnight stay at the Presidential retreat follows a visit to Camp David by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in late June. Earlier this year, President Bush was welcomed by both leaders in Abu Dhabi and Dubai during his Middle East tour.