David Cameron makes UAE stop

Shiekh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, left, greets the newly elected British prime minister David Cameron yesterday.

ABU DHABI // David Cameron, the British prime minister, had his first official meeting with the leader of the UAE yesterday when they discussed ties between their countries. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, met Mr Cameron at Al Rodah Palace in Al Ain, according to WAM, the state news agency. "My visit to the UAE and my meeting with Sheikh Khalifa provided an opportunity to exchange views on a number of the latest current issues in the region," said Mr Cameron.

WAM said Mr Cameron praised the UAE's rapid development and leadership, and its more prominent role on the regional and international front. Sheikh Khalifa reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to achieving peace in the Middle East, the agency said. Also at the meeting were Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, the President's representative, and Dominic Jermey, Britain's ambassador to the UAE.

According to WAM, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Mr Cameron also later met in Abu Dhabi where they had discussions over dinner. Mr Cameron was on his way home from his first visit to Afghanistan since his election last month. Earlier yesterday, he spoke to British troops at their base in Helmand. [e-mail]