This was decided at a meeting between General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the US Defence Secretary, Robert Gates, here on Thursday.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed and the US Defence Secretary took note of the latest developments in the Middle East peace process and efforts to relaunch fresh, serious and feasible negotiations for comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed said the UAE, led by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is proud of its existing relations with the US  and is committed to further boosting them in all fields.

The US Defence Secretary said his talks with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi covered avenues of strengthening joint cooperation. He indicated that he and Gen. Shaikh Mohammed reviewed the latest events in regional and international arenas.

With inputs from Wam