CROWN PRINCE'S MEETING WITH SENATOR BAUCUS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 001418 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2018 TAGS: PGOV OREP PREL PARM KPAL CVIS IR AE SUBJECT: CROWN PRINCE'S MEETING WITH SENATOR BAUCUS Classified by Ambassador Richard Olson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. During his December 13-15 visit to the UAE (reported septel),Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) discussed the UAE's strategic vision with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ). Baucus noted his amazement with the UAE's progress. MbZ presented an overview of the UAE's efforts to become a regional "good news" story, despite security challenges. The US-UAE relationship is strong but should continue to expand, including through sending more UAE students in the United States. MbZ told Baucus the new Administration should focus on the Middle East, including the peace process and Iran. End Summary. ¶2. (C) On December 14, Senator Baucus, accompanied by the Ambassador, Senate Finance Committee Staffer Demetrios Marantis and EconOff, met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, who was joined by UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba. Baucus told MbZ that he was amazed by the UAE, which was even more stunning than he expected. Baucus said that he was embarrassed he had not been aware of how deep the US-UAE bilateral relationship was and appreciated the UAE's cooperation on key issues, e.g., troops in Afghanistan, leadership on the Santiago sovereign wealth fund principles, and canceling Iraqi debt. Baucus told MbZ that Amb. Al Otaiba would help more people -- in Congress and the United States -- understand the UAE. A MODEL FOR THE REGION -- AND THE WORLD -------------- ¶3. (C) MbZ told Baucus that the UAE is trying to send the right message to the world and the region: "There's good news in the Middle East." MbZ said the UAE encourages others in the region to follow its positive examples, noting that the sheer number of expatriates living in the UAE prove that "our lifestyle is better." He told Baucus that "tens of thousands" of Saudi families live in the UAE, although the fathers work in Saudi Arabia. UAE leadership is motivated by a desire to ensure future generations, who he likened to his own children, are "better than us." MbZ told Baucus that he believes in retirement and looks forward to see the next generation ("my family or others") leading the nation. He noted that there must be good preparation for a smooth transition. SECURITY A CHALLENGE -------------- ¶4. (C) MbZ told Baucus that the UAE has enjoyed a high level of security despite the presence of many nationalities. Noting the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, MbZ admitted that maintaining security is a tough challenge in the region, but the UAE has been lucky -- and had good leadership. He pointed to UAE military support for U.S. efforts in Afghanistan: "Terrorists will not leave us alone, so there is no reason to hide." US-UAE RELATIONS STRONG -------------- ¶5. (C) With the support of friends like the United States, MbZ predicted ultimately the UAE will prevail. He said it was important to have US ships in the Gulf to send a clear message to Iran -- "until they have better leadership" -- that the US is committed to regional security. MbZ and Al Otaiba told Baucus that more visits from senior USG officials will further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Baucus said that few on the Hill know the region well, which can lead to protectionism. MbZ agreed that "we have to do our homework," but the special relationship between the UAE and the United States would not be affected if some things "don't work out." ¶6. (C) MbZ said that sending UAE students to the United States is an important investment. The Ambassador noted that more UAE students would obtain visas in 2008 than in any year since 2001. MbZ agreed visa difficulties had dissuaded some students, but others were simply nervous about traveling to the United States after September 11. MbZ told Baucus he was pleased some U.S. universities like NYU are opening campuses in the UAE, but that it was also important UAE students go abroad to be exposed to other cultures. ADVICE FOR NEW ADMINISTRATION -------------- ¶7. (C) Baucus asked MbZ for advice for the new President and Congress. MbZ said he would like to see U.S. involvement in the Middle East and the Peace Process from the beginning of the president's term in office, not just a priority at the end. MbZ said the world is changing quickly, so it is important to consider how new developments, such as the current financial crisis, should impact policies. We must work together to address future challenges like Iran. MbZ likened Iranian aspirations today to the rise of Hitler in the 1930s. He told Baucus Iranian leaders think they need nuclear military capabilities in order to reestablish the Persian Empire. Iran is a challenge, but MbZ said we must work to help them understand "right and wrong." OLSON