Washington, D.C. — The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a luncheon discussion featuring keynote remarks by Special Assistant to the President and White House Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and the Gulf Region Dr. Philip Gordon on Tuesday, March 4th in Washington, D.C.  The closed-door event brought together a diverse group of senior business executives and officials from the U.S. and U.A.E. governments as well as senior officials from Embassies around the MENA region to hear Dr. Gordon’s perspectives on the policy climate underpinning U.S.-U.A.E. relations.

White House Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf Dr. Philip Gordon (right) and U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright (left) discuss U.S.-U.A.E. relations and broader policies toward the MENA region

Following an introduction from U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright framing the discussion, Dr. Gordon provided context for the audience on the President Obama’s policies regarding the U.S.-U.A.E. strategic relationship as well as the U.S. Administration’s broader policies toward other countries in the region.

“President Obama and the Administration are committed to preserving the strength of our friendship with the U.A.E. and to strengthening economic and defense ties between our two countries,” said Dr. Gordon. “We continue to consult closely with the U.A.E. on a broad range of regional issues and value the U.A.E.’s contributions to security and prosperity in the Middle East. Top U.S. officials regularly visit the U.A.E., with visits from no fewer than four Cabinet Secretaries since December.”

In his comments, Dr. Gordon referenced many of the challenges that face the Arabian Gulf and the broader MENA region; including developments impacting ongoing multilateral negotiations with Iran, Syria, and between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. In doing so, he commended the U.A.E. for serving as a key humanitarian and security partner to the U.S. and international community; citing the U.A.E. as an important source of stability, innovation, and growth.

After Dr. Gordon’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. political, strategic, and economic relations. In answering their questions, Dr. Gordon cited the Administration’s strong appreciation for the importance of cooperation and public-private sector partnership between American and Emirati officials as well as outlined some of the potential challenges ahead for U.S. political engagement in the broader MENA region.

White House Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf Dr. Philip Gordon addresses public and private sector stakeholders in Washington, D.C.

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