ID :
162725
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:43
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/162725
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Britain is committed to enhancing relations with UAE, GCC: Minister
Abu Dhabi, Feb 21, 2011 (WAM) - The International Defence and Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) will provide UK companies with the opportunity not only to showcase their capabilities but will also enable them actively to seek new business partners in the UAE and in the region and develop closer co-operation links, Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy in the UK Ministry of Defence, has said.
''The British government is strongly committed to enhancing our relations with all our partners across the Gulf. We have ambitious plans to expand our existing co-operation with the Gulf states across the board: in culture, education, defence and security, trade and investment, and foreign policy co-operation,'' Mr. Howarth said in an interview with WAM.
On UAE-UK bonds, the British minister said :''We have an existing Defence Cooperation Agreement which we are building on in line with our enhanced engagement with our Gulf allies. Under the auspices of a cross-Governmental UK-UAE Task Force, a Joint exercise (EX AIR KHANJAR) was held successfully at the end of last year, which coincided with the highly successful visit of HM The Queen and will be followed by EX SEA KHANJAR later this year. These exercises reinforce the UK's commitment to broader UAE and regional stability. In particular we welcome the opportunity to train with our long standing and close allies in the UAE.
Following the full text of the interview:
Q1. - Are you satisfied with the defence co-operation relations between the UAE and the U.K, and is there any plan to develop this co-operation in the future?
A1. - We have an existing Defence Cooperation Agreement which we are building on in line with our enhanced engagement with our Gulf allies. Under the auspices of a cross-Governmental UK-UAE Task Force, a Joint exercise (EX AIR KHANJAR) was held successfully at the end of last year, which coincided with the highly successful visit of HM The Queen and will be followed by EX SEA KHANJAR later this year. These exercises reinforce the UK's commitment to broader UAE and regional stability. In particular we welcome the opportunity to train with our long standing and close allies in the UAE.
Q2. - What is the size of the British participation in IDEX 2011, in Abu Dhabi, and how does Your Excellency evaluate the importance of it in promoting your country's defence industry.
A2. - Over 100 UK companies will be displaying and demonstrating a range of cutting edge technology in the defence and security sectors at IDEX and NAVDEX 2011. The UK's particular capability themes include technology to support current operations; land and maritime border surveillance; maritime mine detection and countermeasures; and chemical biological, radiation and nuclear defence. The UK's brand new Lightweight Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) will also be at the IDEX exhibition, demonstrating the UK's willingness to share its latest operational capabilities with partners in the region.
A Royal Navy Mine Counter Measure Vessel, HMS PEMBROKE will also participate in NAVDEX along with over 20 companies in the UK pavilion demonstrating a range of maritime products, services and training. A specific maritime technology demonstration will take place daily in conjunction with the ship's company The UK group is supported by a strong UK government team from the UK Ministry of Defence and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) together with prominent representation from the Royal Navy and British Army. The UK team is led by Mr Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy who is supported by Richard Paniguian Head of UKTI's Defence and Security Organisation.
Q3. - What are the potentials of defence co-operation between U.K, and the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council, AGCC, states?
A3. - The British government is strongly committed to enhancing our relations with all our partners across the Gulf. We have ambitious plans to expand our existing co-operation with the Gulf states across the board: in culture, education, defence and security, trade and investment, and foreign policy co-operation.
Q4. - Can Your Excellency elaborate on the British defence industry?
A4. - The UK is proud of the world class technology provided by the country's defence industry. It remains strong in both the defence and security sectors and has responded well to the challenges it has faced in the last few years. It continues to offer innovative solutions to overseas requirements but it is clear that strong competition from competitors will continue to be a challenge in the coming years. The UK defence and security sectors will continue to offer long term support and training and respond to the requirements for inward investment. This show will provide UK companies with the opportunity not only to showcase their capabilities but will also enable them actively to seek new business partners in the UAE and in the region and develop closer co-operation links.
Q5. - How much is British Defence and Security Sales until 2010?
A6. - Defence exports for 2009 were worth £7.2b making the UK the second highest exporter. Security exports were worth £1.45 making the UK the 5th highest security exporter. We will continue to support our industries in both sectors to maintain our position in both markets. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
''The British government is strongly committed to enhancing our relations with all our partners across the Gulf. We have ambitious plans to expand our existing co-operation with the Gulf states across the board: in culture, education, defence and security, trade and investment, and foreign policy co-operation,'' Mr. Howarth said in an interview with WAM.
On UAE-UK bonds, the British minister said :''We have an existing Defence Cooperation Agreement which we are building on in line with our enhanced engagement with our Gulf allies. Under the auspices of a cross-Governmental UK-UAE Task Force, a Joint exercise (EX AIR KHANJAR) was held successfully at the end of last year, which coincided with the highly successful visit of HM The Queen and will be followed by EX SEA KHANJAR later this year. These exercises reinforce the UK's commitment to broader UAE and regional stability. In particular we welcome the opportunity to train with our long standing and close allies in the UAE.
Following the full text of the interview:
Q1. - Are you satisfied with the defence co-operation relations between the UAE and the U.K, and is there any plan to develop this co-operation in the future?
A1. - We have an existing Defence Cooperation Agreement which we are building on in line with our enhanced engagement with our Gulf allies. Under the auspices of a cross-Governmental UK-UAE Task Force, a Joint exercise (EX AIR KHANJAR) was held successfully at the end of last year, which coincided with the highly successful visit of HM The Queen and will be followed by EX SEA KHANJAR later this year. These exercises reinforce the UK's commitment to broader UAE and regional stability. In particular we welcome the opportunity to train with our long standing and close allies in the UAE.
Q2. - What is the size of the British participation in IDEX 2011, in Abu Dhabi, and how does Your Excellency evaluate the importance of it in promoting your country's defence industry.
A2. - Over 100 UK companies will be displaying and demonstrating a range of cutting edge technology in the defence and security sectors at IDEX and NAVDEX 2011. The UK's particular capability themes include technology to support current operations; land and maritime border surveillance; maritime mine detection and countermeasures; and chemical biological, radiation and nuclear defence. The UK's brand new Lightweight Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) will also be at the IDEX exhibition, demonstrating the UK's willingness to share its latest operational capabilities with partners in the region.
A Royal Navy Mine Counter Measure Vessel, HMS PEMBROKE will also participate in NAVDEX along with over 20 companies in the UK pavilion demonstrating a range of maritime products, services and training. A specific maritime technology demonstration will take place daily in conjunction with the ship's company The UK group is supported by a strong UK government team from the UK Ministry of Defence and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) together with prominent representation from the Royal Navy and British Army. The UK team is led by Mr Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy who is supported by Richard Paniguian Head of UKTI's Defence and Security Organisation.
Q3. - What are the potentials of defence co-operation between U.K, and the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council, AGCC, states?
A3. - The British government is strongly committed to enhancing our relations with all our partners across the Gulf. We have ambitious plans to expand our existing co-operation with the Gulf states across the board: in culture, education, defence and security, trade and investment, and foreign policy co-operation.
Q4. - Can Your Excellency elaborate on the British defence industry?
A4. - The UK is proud of the world class technology provided by the country's defence industry. It remains strong in both the defence and security sectors and has responded well to the challenges it has faced in the last few years. It continues to offer innovative solutions to overseas requirements but it is clear that strong competition from competitors will continue to be a challenge in the coming years. The UK defence and security sectors will continue to offer long term support and training and respond to the requirements for inward investment. This show will provide UK companies with the opportunity not only to showcase their capabilities but will also enable them actively to seek new business partners in the UAE and in the region and develop closer co-operation links.
Q5. - How much is British Defence and Security Sales until 2010?
A6. - Defence exports for 2009 were worth £7.2b making the UK the second highest exporter. Security exports were worth £1.45 making the UK the 5th highest security exporter. We will continue to support our industries in both sectors to maintain our position in both markets. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
