The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States (US) have convened their fourth Joint Consular Committee session in Washington to promote and further develop cooperation in the areas of consular services. The two sides addressed the means of improving consular protection for their nationals.
The meeting was chaired by Khalid Abdulla Belhoul, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under-Secretary, along with Hugo Rodriguez, Acting Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the US Department of State.
During the session, Khalid Belhoul also carried the greeting of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who hailed the positive development witnessed in UAE-US relations and the full commitment of the UAE to consolidate further the relations between the two countries. This flows from the aspirations and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership.
Belhoul pursued the historic relationship the UAE and the US have enjoyed since 1972. Indicating that their relationship was strategic and solidly based on mutual respect and understanding. He further showed his appreciation for efforts by the US to strengthen these bilateral relations. And pointed out the big strides achieved during the last few years.
Belhoul said that, through their strategic relationship, the UAE and the US have built a sound and sustainable model. Both sides have found the cooperation fruitful across various fields. Leading to a shared interest in advancing their partnership in the consular sector. They aim to build on this progress and achieve common development goals, mechanisms, and solutions for a more cooperative future.
During the meeting, participants addressed key consular issues related to citizens. They proposed several initiatives to make services easier and more accessible, aligning with their strategic plans in the consular domain.
This is a meeting attended by representatives headed by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, and concerned US parties. The meeting in this respect constituted a further step in the development of consular services. And the reinforcement of the traditional friendship between both states.
Through continuous dialogue and collaboration, the UAE and the US further develop their relationship to guarantee that the citizens of both countries receive highly qualitative consular support and services. The commitment in itself shows that both nations intend to keep a dynamic and mutually supportive bilateral relationship.
In short, the fourth Joint Consular Committee meeting brought to the fore a common determination between the UAE and the US to enhance consular affairs and advance a strategic relationship. The cooperation and initiatives announced during this meeting would therefore help both countries work further in strengthening consular services.
ANI
