UK and US diplomats thank UAE for support in Afghanistan withdrawal

Ambassador Patrick Moody says the Emirates helped more than 4,800 to travel to the UK

Britain's ambassador to UAE Patrick Moody. Courtesy: British Embassy

British and American diplomats on Wednesday thanked the UAE for supporting international withdrawal efforts in Afghanistan.

Patrick Moody, Britain's ambassador to the UAE, said 4,883 people had left Kabul and travelled safely to the UK through the Emirates.

"The UK government team here in the UAE continues to work closely with our Emirati friends around the clock to ensure safe passage for the brave men and women who have helped us in Afghanistan,” Mr Moody said.

"This endeavour would not be possible without the generosity and support provided to us by the UAE government.

The UAE had shown the strength of its partnership with Britain and how friends stand together in moments of crisis, said Mr Moody.

“We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to all UAE authorities, including Dubai Airports Authority, Dubai Police, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority," he said.

"We praise the UAE’s humanitarian support – not just to the UK but across many international partners – which demonstrates its commitment to the global relief efforts for Afghanistan, and enables us to do our work."

Ethan Goldrich, US Chargé d'Affaires, also thanked the UAE for its efforts.

He said the US was extremely grateful to the Emirates for co-ordinating the safe transit of thousands out of Afghanistan.

These included US citizens, special immigrant visa applicants and their families, vulnerable Afghans, and third-country nationals.

Mr Goldrich described the process as a highly complex global effort that would not have been possible without the close co-operation of the two countries.

The US diplomat said his country was grateful to the UAE for hosting 5,000 Afghan citizens temporarily before they depart for other destinations.

"Together, the UAE and US have quickly stood up a transit hub and processing centre in Abu Dhabi from where individuals undergo health and security screenings before continuing to the US or another country," he said.

"Emirati immigration officials are working side-by-side with our consular and customs and border patrol officers to make this happen, efficiently and safely, 24 hours a day."

Xavier Chatel, French Ambassador to the UAE, praised the UAE for its co-operation and quick response in the evacuation efforts.

He thanked the UAE for hosting the Afghan nationals before they are taken to other countries.

Heidi Venamore, Australian Ambassador to the UAE, also expressed his gratitude to the UAE in facilitating flights in and out of Kabul.

''Our Prime Minster Scott Morrison expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the UAE. On August 23, the prime minister spoke at length in the Australian Parliament about the generosity and support provided to Australia by the UAE during these extraordinary times.''