UAE-US Consular Committee holds first meeting in Abu Dhabi

The UAE-US Consular Committee held its first meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Abu Dhabi, yesterday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ahmed Saeed Elham Al Dhaheri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Steven C. Bondy, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in the UAE.

Both sides discussed several joint consular topics and their plans to monitor and make progress on them, as well as ways of strengthening future joint consular cooperation between the UAE and the USA.

Talking during the meeting, Al Dhaheri said that the bilateral relations between the UAE and the US have made considerable progress, which has directly contributed to consolidating and advancing their bilateral and global relations.

He noted that this type of relationship has been reflected positively through the signing of many agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the aim of facilitating consular services for the citizens of both countries. The meeting, therefore, meets the desire of both countries to strengthen their consular cooperation, he added.

Al Dhaheri expressed the hope that the meeting will lead to greater achievements, particularly in the political, economic and security fields, in line with the ambitions and aspirations of the leadership of both countries to further improve their relations.

Bondy praised the continuing development of bilateral relations between the two countries in past years, especially in the area of consular cooperation.

The US official also praised the UAE’s leading experience in this area, saying that his country seeks to enhance its cooperation and exchange relevant knowledge with the UAE, which will benefit the citizens of both countries and consolidate their relations.

Representatives from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice, together with representatives from US authorities, attended the meeting.