ABU DHABI, July 5, 2024 - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) extended its well wishes to the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, following her appointment. In a message sent on behalf of the nation, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveyed his congratulations to Truss. Similarly, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, sent his own congratulatory message.
Both leaders expressed their hope for a continued strengthening of the longstanding relationship between the UAE and the UK. Their messages highlighted various sectors ripe for collaboration, underscoring the mutual desire to build on this robust partnership. The UAE leadership also emphasized their commitment to working hand-in-hand with the UK to address pressing global challenges and promote peace and prosperity worldwide.
The UAE and the UK enjoy a strategic partnership, with deep economic and political ties. The two countries collaborate across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, energy, security, and defense. The UAE is the UK's largest trading partner in the Middle East, and the UK is a significant source of foreign direct investment for the UAE.
The leaders' messages come at a time of global uncertainty. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, coupled with post-pandemic economic anxieties, has underscored the need for strong international cooperation. The UAE and the UK have both been vocal advocates for a rules-based international order and have collaborated on various global issues, including climate change and regional security.
Truss's appointment as Prime Minister is seen as an opportunity to further solidify the UAE-UK partnership. Her previous experience as Foreign Secretary suggests a continued focus on strengthening the UK's global standing, potentially leading to even closer collaboration with the UAE on matters of mutual interest.
There is optimism that under Truss's leadership, the UK will remain a key player on the world stage. The UAE has expressed its confidence that the two nations can continue to work together effectively to navigate global challenges and ensure stability and prosperity in the years to come.