The
fourteenth meeting of the UAE-UK Taskforce was hosted on 2nd September in Abu
Dhabi by Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The
UK was represented by Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister for the
Middle East and North Africa, Mr Tobias Ellwood MP.
Mr.
Ellwood took the opportunity to thank again the UAE for helping the British
hostage in Yemen return home.
The
two Ministers agreed the importance of continued collaboration on the key
political and security challenges facing the world today, and highlighted that
a stable and prosperous Middle East was in all our interests. Ministers praised
the strong cooperation between their two countries, and re-affirmed the need
to: pursue a political solution in Yemen and address the humanitarian situation
there; reach agreement on a Government of National Accord in Libya and
encourage all parties to support the political process, especially in light of
atrocities committed by violent extremist groups there; and collaborate ever more
closely and effectively in the fight against Daesh, in particular by countering
the group’s propaganda in the online space. The Taskforce shared concerns about
the continuing instability in the Horn of Africa.
The
Taskforce reviewed cooperation between the UK and the UAE on humanitarian
issues. Mr Ellwood welcomed the UAE’s humanitarian assistance to Yemen.
Dr
Gargash confirmed that the UAE remained committed towards the Preventing Sexual
Violence in Conflict Initiative, on which the UAE and UK have agreed to co-fund
a project in Somalia.
The
Ministers discussed climate change, emphasising the need for a robust climate
deal in Paris in December.
The
Ministers welcomed UAE-UK cooperation on law enforcement and efforts to deepen
it further, especially on: recovering proceeds of crime, terrorist financing,
money laundering and extradition. They looked forward to the forthcoming
WeProtect Summit, to be held in November 2015 in Abu Dhabi, which will follow
the summit held in London last December.
The
Ministers agreed the need to swiftly conclude a UK-UAE Double Taxation
Agreement to assist bilateral trade and investment.
The
Ministers looked forward to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding
between the UAE and UK Space Agencies. They also expressed support for fair and
open competition in the aviation industry.
Consular
and visa matters were discussed, and the Ministers welcomed and encouraged the
work of the UAE-UK Consular Committee. The ministers also acknowledged the
success of the electronic visa waiver system for Emirati citizens launched by
the UK in January 2014, and looked forward to a more streamlined system.
Educational
and cultural cooperation also featured on the agenda. The Ministers discussed
the prospects for enhancing cultural exchanges between the two countries. They
also agreed the need to improve the process for recognition of qualifications
and to secure federal accreditation of degrees from UK branch campuses in the
UAE.
Speaking
after the Taskforce, Dr. Gargash said, "Our regular Taskforce meetings are
an important channel of communication between our countries. As we continue
working together to address important challenges, the UAE remains committed to
partnering with the UK to promote greater prosperity for both of our nations".
Mr
Ellwood said, "This meeting of the UK/UAE Taskforce was very productive. I
value highly our discussion of such a broad range of topics, and our review of
collaboration in many areas of common interest. These discussions underlined
the importance of working closely together to tackle threats and challenges in
the region and beyond." –End-
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