U.S.-U.A.E. Gulf Security Dialogue

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
For Immediate Release                                                                                             March 11, 2008

U.S.-U.A.E. Gulf Security Dialogue

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Stephen D. Mull, Assistant Secretary of Defense Mary Beth Long, and Chief of Air Force and Air Defense Major General Mohammed Bin Sowaidan Saeed Al Qemzy today co-chaired the fourth meeting of the United States-U.A.E. Gulf Security Dialogue (GSD). The last meeting of the GSD was held in May 2007 in Washington DC. The fourth round of talks are a reflection of the mutual U.S.-U.A.E. commitment to regional security and cooperation on shared security matters affecting the Gulf region, including the situations in Iraq and Lebanon, terrorism, proliferation, and infrastructure security.
 
The key objectives of the Dialogue are to convey the U.S. commitment to the peace and security of our GCC allies as well encourage regional partners to take the steps necessary to address regional challenges.

The GSD addresses conventional as well as non-conventional, asymmetric, and terrorist threats to Gulf security. To counter these threats, the U.S.-U.A.E. discussions focus on five key "pillars:"

(1) Enhanced defensive capabilities and cooperation;
(2) Regional security;
(3) Counterterrorism and internal security;
(4) Counter-proliferation;
(5) Developing a shared assessment and agenda on Iraq;
 
During today's meetings, Ambassador Mull and Secretary Long reiterated that the Gulf Security Dialogue is a firm example of President Bush's State of the Union pledge that we will" ... stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf." Both sides re-affirmed their country's commitment to the long-standing U.S.-U.A.E. strategic relationship and to continue to cooperate and promote regional peace and security against challenges in the region. They pledged to continue to cooperate in achieving the shared goal of a unified, democratic, and stable Iraq at peace with its neighbors and itself and reiterated the call for the immediate, democratic election of a new Lebanese president.
 
Both delegations welcomed the near-unanimous passage of UNSCR 1803, which passed the UN Security Council with near unanimous approval. Both sides reiterated their strong desire for a diplomatic solution to dealing with Iran's nuclear program, and both noted that such a solution depends on continued international adherence to the requirements outlined in UNSCR 1803, 1747 and 1737.

The U.S. and the U.A.E agreed to continue robust cooperation on counter-proliferation and counterterrorism issues. The U.A.E. agreed to actively participate in future Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) exercises and activities.
 
Participants expressed their satisfaction with this round of the Gulf Security Dialogue and both look forward to continuing this important dialogue between the two countries. The next meeting of the GSD will take place in Washington this fall.