US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice left the United Arab Emirates Friday, following a meeting with ministers of six Gulf nations. An official statement by the UAE said that "In addition to the regional issues mentioned in the joint statement of the GCC ministers, the discussions included the on-going Free Trade Agreement negotiations where the two countries reiterated their desire to achieve a comprehensive agreement. The FTA would further enhance the current U.S.-UAE trade relationship, boost direct foreign investment and create job opportunities for citizens of both countries. The UAE is the third largest trading partner of the United States in the Middle East."
However, Rice's visit was overshadowed by a dispute in the United States over an important deal that that would allow a UAE-based firm manage six American ports. US lawmakers have raised questions regarding the deal involving British port operator P&O and UAE firm Dubai Ports World. The US lawmakers have decided to foil the deal, saying an Arab-owned firm cannot be trusted to run ports in the United States.
The Bush administration has backed the deal and following Rice's visit the UAE stressed its resolve to fight terrorism. "The UAE reaffirmed its stance against terrorism and its commitment to continue to support and cooperate with the international community in this endeavor," the statement has indicated.
However, in the latest development in this regard, Dubai Ports World has offered to delay its takeover of the six U.S. seaports, giving the White House more time to convince the skeptical lawmakers the deal poses no increased risks from terrorism.
As part of its new offer, coordinated with the White House, Dubai Ports World said it would agree not to exercise control or influence management over U.S. ports pending further discussions with the administration and Congress.
