Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK's Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, has travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his first visit to the country (in his ministerial capacity).
Lord Ahmad is meeting with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation. The discussions are set to build upon the recent launch of the UK-UAE Strategic Dialogue, cover UK-UAE partnerships, regional security issues including Iran and Syria, and COP 28 - taking place in Dubai later this year from 30 November until 12 December.
Lord Ahmad is also visiting the Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi which houses the St Francis Church, Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.
Commenting on his visit, Lord Ahmad said:
"I am delighted to be in the UAE – my first visit to the country as Minister of state for the Middle East and North Africa – to strengthen the UK and UAE’s partnership.
I look forward to meeting with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to build upon our shared priorities, including the recent inaugural UK-UAE Strategic Dialogue, the ambitious Partnership of the Future, COP28 and regional issues.
The UAE has a crucial role to play on the world stage – including as a key partner for the UK through its membership of the UN Security Council and as hosts of COP28 later this year. It is vital that we continue to build momentum and strengthen collaboration in important areas including education, climate and development, life sciences and tackling illicit finance.
I also look forward to visiting the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. The interfaith complex, which houses the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, is a reminder that we must never be complacent on protecting freedom of religion and belief."