Meeting with Biden a success, says Ruler

Sheikh Mohammed and US vice president discuss regional conflicts, bilateral cooperation and use of alternative energy.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday welcomed US vice president Joe Biden to his palace. The two spoke of the friendship between their countries and matters of mutShow more

DUBAI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said he had a successful meeting with US vice president Joe Biden at Zabeel Palace on Tuesday.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and Mr Biden discussed the two countries’ friendship and cooperation, acording to Wam, the state news agency .

They also exchanged views on political, security and development issues, focusing on the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, as well as terrorism in the region.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed said the meeting with Mr Biden “reflects the strong cooperation and friendly ties between the two friendly countries and peoples at various levels”.

The two men also discussed their views on the challenges that the UAE faced in its development. Sheikh Mohammed said: “We achieved the aspirations of our people and the vision of the leadership, which aimed to achieve sustainable development and enhance tolerance and values of harmony in our culturally diversified society.”

He also pointed to the Government’s attention to tourism, saying that although the UAE was an oil producer, tourism had become a vital component of its economy.

Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Biden also discussed the implementation of alternative energy and solar-energy projects.

“This is one of the big challenges that we seek to overcome with great success to protect the local environment and support our national economy, and thus encourage other countries to adopt renewable sources to generate electric power,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

He praised Mr Biden’s efforts to develop bilateral ties and cooperation, and his humanitarian work.

Sheikh Mohammed extended to Mr Biden an invitation for US participation in the Expo 2020 in Dubai. Mr Biden accepted the invitation and congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on winning the bid to host the international event.

The Dubai Ruler described the UAE’s infrastructure as sophisticated and world class, particularly in transport and telecommunications.

Mr Biden also praised the UAE’s policies, particularly those pertaining to regional and international relations.

During a visit to the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, Mr Biden commended the UAE’s achievements in government development and described the country as having a futuristic outlook. He also lauded the Government’s support of women.

Mr Biden said the two countries agreed on vital issues, such as environmental protection and creating economic opportunities for young people.

During his visit, Mr Biden met a group of young Emirati entrepreneurs and leaders, and he stressed the importance of the private sector in engaging and developing young people.

On Monday, Mr Biden visited Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts US and Emirati troops battling ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

He also toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Masdar City, and met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to discuss key regional issues.

On Tuesday night Mr Biden flew to Tel Aviv at the start of a visit to Israel and the West Bank.