The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a luncheon discussion featuring keynote remarks by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Dr. Matthew Spence on Wednesday, March 5 in Washington, D.C. The event brought together a diverse group of senior executives and officials from the business community, the U.S. and U.A.E. governments, and the think tank world to hear Dr. Spence’s perspectives on the strategic climate underpinning U.S.-U.A.E. relations, as well as broader U.S. policy in the Arabian Gulf region.

“The United States and the United Arab Emirates are working together to create a secure and prosperous Middle East North Africa region,” said Dr. Spence. “Close defense and security cooperation is a critical pillar in the overall U.S.-U.A.E. relationship and a foundation of the U.S. security architecture for the region.”

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Dr. Matthew Spence discusses U.S.-U.A.E. strategic relations and U.S. policies toward countries in the region with public and private sector stakeholders in Washington, D.C.

Following an introduction from U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright to frame the discussion, Dr. Spence provided context to the audience on the Defense Department’s policies regarding the U.S.-U.A.E. strategic and defense relationship as well as America’s approach toward other countries in the region.

In his comments, Dr. Spence referenced many of the challenges that face the Arabian Gulf and the broader Middle East region. In doing so, he commended the U.A.E. for “serving as a key economic and security partner to both the U.S. and international community, citing the Emirates as a consistent source of stability, innovation, military partnership, and commercial growth.”

After Dr. Spence’s formal remarks, executives and officials in attendance were given the opportunity to address him on specific policy issues impacting U.S.-U.A.E. defense, business, and economic relations. In answering their questions, Dr. Spence cited strong government cooperation and public-private partnership between American and Emirati officials, as well as outlined some of the potential challenges ahead for U.S. commercial and political engagement in the broader Middle East region.

The discussion with Dr. Spence on Wednesday complements an ongoing effort by the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council to inform private and public sector stakeholders about political, commercial, and economic developments driving U.S.-U.A.E. commerce and trade.