The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council was honored to host Major General Stephen Farmen, Commanding General, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), for a private dinner at Abu Dhabi’s new, highly acclaimed Café Milano.  The discussion included key, senior-level U.S. defense-sector stakeholders attending the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX). Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, provided brief remarks before inviting General Farmen to survey the opportunities and challenges facing the U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral defense & security relationship.

General Farmen thanked the assembled guests for their attendance and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council for providing a unique platform from which to discuss a range of political, diplomatic, commercial, defense and security issues facing the U.S. and U.A.E. He highlighted the importance of the Foreign Military Sales Program as well as the U.S. security assistance relationships with the U.A.E. and other GCC countries.  The small group discussion afforded an in-depth review of challenges with technology transfer and release, defense offsets, and manufacturing which afforded guests an intimate opportunity to share various points of view.

From Left to Right: Lieutenant Colonel Rob Hunter, Director of Security Assistance, U.S. Liaison Office, U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi, Danny Sebright, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President, Major General Stephen Farmen, Commanding General, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, & Clay Crawford, Strategy & Policy Division G-5, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command

“IDEX is an international event, but what makes it unique is the regional focus and strategic engagements this forum offers. USASAC’s work in assisting the U.A.E. with building their capabilities has proven to be a great example of how effective our Foreign Military Sales process can be.  We truly believe, ‘Trust + Teamwork = Strength in Cooperation,'” said General Farmen.

From Left to Right: Mr. John Bryant, President of Oshkosh Corporation, Major General Stephen Farmen, Commanding General, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, and Mr. Ethan Goldrich, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi

Mr. Sebright thanked General Farmen for his insights before opening the floor to questions. Stakeholders were interested in learning about opportunities to work with their Emirati and GCC counterparts under the new U.S. Administration.

Mr. Sebright concluded the dinner by giving a special thanks to MG Farmen as well as thanking the guests for their attendance and participation.