UK PM BROWN PROMOTES BUSINESS AND ENERGY TIES WITH UAE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 001271

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/FO, NEA/ARP (BMASILKO) AND EEB

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/5/2018
TAGS: EFIN ECON EINV ENRG PGOV UK AE
SUBJECT: UK PM BROWN PROMOTES BUSINESS AND ENERGY TIES WITH UAE

Classified by Ambassador Richard G. Olson for reasons 1.4 (b,d).


1. (C) Summary. In an October 5 briefing for G8 and EU ambassadors,
the UK ambassador denied press reports that Prime Minister Gordon
Brown had pressed the UAEG for a financial commitment to the
international bailout during his November 3 visit to the UAE.
Rather, Brown discussed the challenges facing the IMF and how the UAE
could participate in the international response to the global
financial crisis. Brown, who was accompanied by 35 British CEOs,
also promoted UK-UAE business ties, particularly in the energy
industry. End Summary.


2. (C) On November 5, British Ambassador Edward Oakden briefed G8 and
EU ambassadors on Prime Minister Gordon Brown's November 2-3 visit to
the UAE. Oakden said that, although the press had spun the visit as
a cash-finding mission, the main public themes of the visit were
energy, education and finance, as well as bilateral relations and
regional themes. Oakden said private meetings with UAEG leaders
included discussion of the international financial crisis, as well as
regional challenges and bilateral issues.


3. (C) Oakden reported that Brown did not ask for any specific UAE
contribution to the IMF, although he did discuss the financial
pressure the IMF was under and noted that additional resources were
needed. Oakden reported that the UAEG responded "positively; in the
sense of not negatively." Brown told UAE officials that those who
have a role in international financial markets need a place in the
decision-making process. Oakden said there was no specific mention
of UAE desire to participate in the upcoming G20 Summit. However,
there was some discussion of whether Saudi Arabia could represent the
views of the region and UAE officials indicated their desire to be
part of any post-conference process.


4. (C) Brown, accompanied by State Secretary for Business Peter
Mandelson and State Secretary for Energy and Climate Change Ed
Miliband, led a delegation of 35 CEOS in a trip that also included
stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. At MASDAR, Miliband signed a
cooperative agreement on the development of renewable energy and
clean technology solutions. Shell Executive Director Malcolm
Brinded, part of Brown's delegation, also inked a MOU with ADNOC for
offshore gas exploration during the visit.


5. (C) In Abu Dhabi, Brown's visit included the Higher College of
Technology, Mubadala, and a speech at the Abu Dhabi International
Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa
bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted a reception for Brown, who also visited
the UK Typhoon Squadron at the Air War Center at Al Dhafra Air Force
Base. In Dubai, Brown had a 45-minute meeting and lunch with Dubai
Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He also attended a
business to business forum and met with young Arab leaders, according
to Oakden.
OLSON