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Ahmadinejad embarks on key visit to UAE

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Disregarding their differences, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to forge closer economic and political bonds during the visit of the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Arriving in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a two-day visit, Mr. Ahmadinejad is the first Iranian President to visit UAE after it gained independence. Iran sees the visit as part of an effort to develop special ties with the six nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Apart from the UAE, the resource-rich GCC includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. Mr. Ahmadinejad visited Saudi Arabia — the largest among the GCC countries, two months ago. He had earlier paid a visit to Kuwait. Later on Monday he leaves Abu Dhabi for neighbouring Oman. Iran's Ambassador to the UAE, Hamid Reza Asefi, said in an interview a day before Mr. Ahmadinejad's arrival that Abu Dhabi was playing a "leading role" in Tehran's efforts to engage the Gulf countries.

Bid to balance policy

Analysts point out that Mr. Ahmadinejad's visit is seen by many as UAE's attempt to impart greater "balance" to its foreign policy. Iran, on its part is looking for expanding its footprint in the Gulf, which has traditionally relied on the United States for its political and economic security. "We hope the visit will lead to strengthening ties and be a major stride towards peace, security and progress of the Persian Gulf region," Mr. Ahmadinejad told reporters before emplaning for Abu Dhabi. Breaking protocol, UAE's President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Mr. Ahmadinejad at the airport. Mr. Ahmadinejad has arrived in the UAE capital less than 48 hours after U.S. Vice President, Dick Cheney left Abu Dhabi. According to diplomatic sources, Iran and the UAE are keen to institutionalise their relationship by inaugurating a joint economic commission.

On the security side, Iranian side wants to follow-up on Sheikh Khalifa's statement in March that the UAE would not allow the use of its territory for "hostile activities" against Iran. The Iranians are also expected to convey their concerns about the alleged monitoring of developments in Iran by the Americans from Dubai.

Separated by only 180 km, Iran and Dubai are discussing ways to transfer around 1000MW electricity through undersea cables.

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