Mohamed bin Zayed, US Secretary of Defence discuss international counter-terrorism efforts, issues of mutual concern

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, held talks today at Al Shatea Palace with visiting Secretary of Defence, Ashton Carter, centred on efforts being exerted by the international community to counter terrorism, violence and terrorist groups as well as international co-ordination and co-operation to support these efforts.

The contribution of the UAE and US to advance these efforts so as to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and its criminal organisations that threaten security and stability of the region were also touched upon during the talks. Also discussed were ways of further solidifying bilateral ties, notably joint co-operation in defence and military fields.

Sheikh Mohamed and Secretary Carter discussed joint co-operation and co-ordination in a variety of issues that consolidate security, stability and peace and the approaches of the two countries towards them.

The two sides exchanged views on a broad range of regional and international developments of mutual concern.

Present at the meeting were Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lt. General Juma Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falasi, Adviser to Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouie, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.

Barbara A. Leaf, the U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, also attended the meeting.

Source:WAM