Envoy says UAE, US ties to grow

Bilateral ties between the UAE and United States on all levels are set to grow, further strengthening the partnership between the two nations, Richard Olson, new US ambassador to the UAE told Emirates Business.

"Our relationship with the UAE is very strong at all levels – security and defence, political and economic spheres. President Bush was in the UAE last year and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met the US President at Camp David yesterday.

"This proves the growing partnership between the two countries," he said.

Commenting on American business in the UAE, Olson said: "Our business is doing good here. In 2007 we had about $12 billion (Dh44bn) exports to the UAE and I hope that grows. There are real opportunities for the American firms here, some major contracts have been signed and prospects are very positive for the industry."

Olson said the UAE will play an increasingly important role in the world, both politically and economically. "The UAE is a dynamic country with a young population. The country has seen high rates of economic growth and is something of a regional model. The nation is laying a lot of emphasis on education and healthcare. I'm sure the future is very bright and influential," he said.