Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, deputy supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates armed forces, met today in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to discuss the bilateral defense relationship, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a statement issued today.
The meeting at Shati Palace took place ahead of a U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Cook said.
Carter emphasized the importance of the U.S.-UAE strategic partnership and reiterated both countries' shared commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Middle East, Cook said, noting the conversation between the two leaders focused on counterterrorism cooperation, instability in Iraq and Syria and countering Iran's destabilizing activities.
Carter thanked the crown prince for UAE's strong commitment to counterterrorism, the press secretary said, adding the secretary also lauded the bilateral security cooperation between the two countries and commended the UAE's efforts to work with the United States to expand regional military collaboration.
Cook said the meeting ended with a discussion of regional issues, including shared objectives for the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.
Carter and the crown prince agreed to continue to deepen defense ties at all levels of the UAE and U.S. militaries, the press secretary said.