December 14,2008

Baucus, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Discuss U.S.-U.A.E. Relations

Finance Chairman and Crown Prince discuss opportunities for engagement between U.S., important Gulf ally

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today met with His Highness, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan. At the meeting, Baucus and the Crown Prince discussed opportunities to expand the relationship between the U.S. and Abu Dhabi, and how the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates can engage in the future. Baucus thanked the Crown Prince for the close cooperation that the UAE has given the United States on security, political, and economic issues. The two discussed the importance of securing the future for the next generations of Americans and Emiratis.

“Abu Dhabi is an important player in the global economy and we need to find more ways to work together,” Baucus said. “Communication and openness can lead to economic and trade opportunities that will benefit both our nations, create jobs for Americans at home,and provide encouragement for the citizens of countries across this region.”

Photos from Baucus's meeting with the Crown Prince will be available in the coming days.Baucus leads the Senate panel responsible for international trade policy. Also in Abu Dhabi today, Baucus met with Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, to discuss potential trade opportunities in Abu Dhabi for companies in his home state of Montana and across America. Baucus, who led the passage of tax incentives for alternative energy in the 110th Congress, also met to discuss alternative and renewable energy strategies with Dr. Sultan AlJaber, CEO of Masdar - Abu Dhabi Future Energy; that company has been tasked with creating the world’s first zero-carbon, waste-free, carless city in the UAE. The Finance Committee Chairman also met with leaders of the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and leaders of the Mubadala investment fund as well.

Baucus meets on Monday with government officials and other leaders in Dubai.

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