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Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, continuing his two day tour of the United Arab Emirates, visited the Gulf Research Center (GRC) in Dubai on January 23
Under Secretary Burns later met with the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Skeikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum.
At the GRC, Under Secretary Burns addressed an audience of businesspeople, academics, diplomats, and journalists regarding “US Foreign Policy in the Gulf Region.” Under Secretary Burns affirmed the strong and enduring friendship between the US and the UAE, and expressed his admiration for the scope and speed of the UAE’s development, and in particular that of Dubai.
Addressing the issue of America’s relationship with the region and the Arab world, Under Secretary Burns reassured the audience that the US was a trustworthy and reliable partner which valued its strong relationships with its friends and allies in the region. Burns listed Israel/Palestine, Lebanon, building a stable and democratic Iraq, and Iran as the four major challenges to peace and security in the region.
On the topic of Iran, Burns emphasized that the US was not interested in a military conflict with Iran, and would continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue. He underscored that the international community was united in its desire to prevent Iran from a nuclear weapon, and that this unity was expressed through UN Security Council Resolution 1737.
On Iraq, Burns noted that the “challenges of walking away are more grim than the challenges of staying,” and that his meetings with senior officials in the region had bolstered this position. He underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting the Iraqi people and the Iraqi government to achieve security and stability.
Later in the day, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hosted a meeting with Under Secretary Burns, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State James Jeffrey, Ambassador Sison and Consul General Sutphin . They reviewed developments in the Gulf region and wider Middle East. In the meeting, Burns explained the US perspective on regional issues and America’s intensive efforts to find lasting solutions. He voiced appreciation for the United State’s excellent relationship with the UAE, and the UAE’s consistent and important contribution to resolving an array of regional challenges. After the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed told Dubai-based “Gulf News “ that the UAE supported all sincere and serious efforts to safeguard the security of the region’s people,” and underlined the importance of spreading the culture of peaceful dialogue and understanding.