Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Visit to Abu Dhabi

Press Release

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today visited Abu Dhabi where she met with her international counterparts and delivered remarks to law enforcement officials at the Gulf States Global Police Symposium, underscoring the importance of international policing and security partnerships.

"Today, we face an environment where transnational criminal organizations are aggressively seeking to exploit gaps and vulnerabilities in our shared systems of trade, travel, and communication, while attempting to hide behind international jurisdictions," said Secretary Napolitano. "We are committed to working with our international partners around the world to protect the vast amount of goods and commerce that move across the world every day - and that drive our global economy."

As part of a joint commitment to strengthen security and promote global trade and travel, Secretary Napolitano met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote aviation security through United Arab Emirates (UAE) participation in the U.S. Immigration Advisory Program, as a first step toward the establishment of a passenger Pre-Clearance pilot program. While in the UAE, Secretary Napolitano also met with UAE Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan discuss the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel.

Secretary Napolitano's visit to Abu Dhabi follows her trip to Paris, where she joined her counterparts at the G6+1 Ministerial Meeting and met with international security leaders to discuss the Department's efforts in combating transnational crime, securing cyberspace, and working to ensure a more safe, secure and resilient global supply chain. She also delivered remarks on the importance of strong international partnerships at the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale. Yesterday in Doha, Secretary Napolitano signed a bilateral aviation security agreement and met with senior Qatari officials to discuss continued collaboration and increased security initiatives between the United States and Qatar. Secretary Napolitano will continue her trip, traveling to Dubai on Dec. 6.

For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov.

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