LONDON: The UAE鈥檚 President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan met the UK鈥檚 Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The two officials reviewed defense cooperation as part of their countries鈥� strategic relationship.

Discussions also covered the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, as well as measures to de-escalate the ongoing violence that poses a threat to regional stability and security.

The meeting was attended by Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and several other officials from the UAE.

Shapps held talks with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday.