November 20, 2008, ABU DHABI - The United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have an enduring partnership and share a common vision for a secure, stable, and prosperous Middle East, a joint US-UAE statement has said. ''They share a belief in peace, respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, and a belief that religious tolerance and moderation will prevail over violence and extremism. It is these commonly held tenets that have brought the United States and the UAE to a new level of friendship and cooperation,'' added the statement which issued following talks held recently between US Pressident George W Bush and H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Our two nations have enjoyed close relations since the UAE's federation that have grown stronger in recent times. The United States and the UAE collaborate as like-minded partners on regional issues such as the Arab-Israeli peace process, ensuring peace and stability in Lebanon, and supporting Iraq's increasing engagement with its neighbors. The United States and UAE also work closely to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, and to strengthen the economy of Pakistan.

The United States and UAE are allies and partners in the continuing struggle against terror and extremism. The UAE provides the U.S. and Coalition forces access to its ports and territory and other critical and important logistical assistance. The UAE and the United States continue to work together to undercut the violent ideology used to justify extremism and prevent terrorist attacks against our people and common interests and the terrorist financing that supports terrorist organizations. The UAE also enhances global security by actively participating in various initiatives to counter illicit shipments of dangerous goods and materials. The United States and the UAE share a deep concern over the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems, and related materials, as well as WMD financing, and reaffirm the importance for all nations to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and cooperate with the IAEA.

The UAE has played a positive role in advancing democratic reforms in the region and has helped lead the Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative, including hosting the Forum for the Future in 2008. Ongoing efforts to increase cooperation in the fields of education and cultural exchange will not only deepen our bilateral relationship, but also promote shared values of tolerance and moderation throughout our societies.

In the area of human rights, the United States and UAE share a common purpose in the fight against human trafficking, in expanding opportunities for women, and in improving standards for workers. The U.S. continues to work with the UAE as it reforms its education system so that UAE students can lead lives as life-long learners and responsible citizens in a global society.

The UAE and the United States continue to work closely together in assuring the stability and security of energy supplies and their unhindered transit through international waterways. The United States recognizes that the UAE has been a responsible and reliable supplier of energy to world markets, with the sustained involvement of US companies in the UAE oil and gas industry for more than forty years. This cooperation has increased transparency in the energy sector and promoted investment and exploration. The UAE also welcomes greater U.S. participation in its significant efforts to become a leader in alternative energy research and development.

The United States welcomes the UAE's decision to pursue the development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The UAE has committed to complete operational transparency and to pursuing the highest standards of non-proliferation safety and security. The United States and the UAE have recognized their partnership in this important effort through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on April 21, 2008, and the pursuit of an Agreement Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

The United States and the United Arab Emirates reaffirm the importance of collaboration on international financial, trade, and investment issues. With the UAE having been the top Arab destination for U.S. exports in 2007, U.S.-UAE commercial ties represent a key component of the bilateral relationship which we hope to strengthen further. Investors from the UAE have been responsible and reliable investors in the United States for more than thirty years. Investors from the United States have been welcome in the UAE for as long. Both countries reaffirm our common interest in an open and stable international financial system, and to maintaining the free flow of cross-border investment. Investments should be made on the basis of economic and financial risk and return-related considerations. Recipient countries should ensure predictable investment frameworks. Both countries welcome the work of the International Working Group of Sovereign Wealth Funds and the OECD to establish multilateral frameworks for positive interaction between Sovereign Wealth Funds and recipient countries.

The United States and UAE also wish to highlight the close and expanding cultural and educational ties between the two countries. The U.S. Department of Education and the UAE Ministry of Education have formally established a direct relationship. The UAE participates in International Visitor Programs and the United States and the UAE exchange Fulbright scholars. Major U.S. higher education, health care and arts institutions are involved in initiatives in the UAE. UAE student enrollment in U.S. universities continues to grow. The UAE looks forward to opportunities joint R'&'D in the area of education.

The United States and the United Arab Emirates continue to explore the benefits of increased engagement by regular meetings at the Ministerial-level, chaired by the Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State. These meetings would provide an opportunity to exchange views on security cooperation, regional political issues, and the common interests they increasingly share.