UAE senior official: country's strategic ties "unequivocally with the US"
An Emirati official has stressed the need for "quiet diplomacy instead of outspoken criticism" during a debate in Abu Dhabi Nov. 14.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — “[While] the UAE has no interest in choosing sides between great powers, our primary strategic relationship remains unequivocally with the United States,” Anwar Gargash, senior diplomatic adviser to the United Arab Emirates president, said.
Speaking at the opening of the 9th edition of the Emirates Policy Center Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate Nov. 14, Gargash outlined eight core principles built on the UAE’s foreign policy strategy of "zero problems" toward the region. He said Emirate Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision is that the country will continue to collaborate with others on key issues facing the world today, including climate change, water and food security, all of which are close to the UAE’s heart.
Gargash said that as the world becomes more polarized amid rising tensions between world powers, there should not be a rise in economic protectionism.
He noted that the UAE is “resolutely focused” on supporting long-term economic prosperity and advancing its soft power.
