US President Bush stated Friday he was troubled by the political storm that forced the reversal of a deal allowing a company based in Dubai to run six American ports, saying it sent a bad message to U.S. allies in the Middle East.
According to Bush, the United States needs moderate allies in the Arab world, like the United Arab Emirates, to win the global war on terrorism. The American leader said he had been satisfied that security would be sound at the ports if the Dubai deal had taken effect. "Nevertheless, Congress was still very much opposed to it," Bush noted.
"I'm concerned about a broader message this issue could send to our friends and allies around the world, particularly in the Middle East," the president said, according to the AP. "In order to win the war on terror we have got to strengthen our friendships and relationships with moderate Arab countries in the Middle East."
"UAE is a committed ally in the war on terror," Bush added. "They are a key partner for our military in a critical region, and outside of our own country, Dubai services more of our military, military ships, than any country in the world. "They're sharing intelligence so we can hunt down the terrorists," Bush stressed.
"UAE is a valued and strategic partner," he said. "I'm committed to strengthening our relationship with the UAE."
