§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates; and what plans there are for future ministerial visits to foster(a) business links and (b) cultural relations. [168568]
§ Mr. RammellMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 16–17 March. He met the Crown Prince and Deputy Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. They discussed bilateral and regional issues. We welcome this opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the UAE.
Foreign engagements for the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers are kept under constant review. It is not our practice to announce such visits until they are firm. Because of the unpredictable nature of world events, final decisions on overseas visits are often not possible until very shortly before the day of travel.