WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama held a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates to discuss top issues for the Gulf region, particularly the Saudi-led air campaign in Yemen, Islamic State militants and negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Obama hosted the crown prince at the White House on Monday amid continuing violence in Yemen, Syria and Libya, which has created a refugee crisis. The president and the crown prince made no remarks at the top of their meeting.

The Emirates is part of the Gulf coalition air strikes in Yemen targeting Iranian-backed Shiite rebels. Gulf partners have also raised concerns about the end result of US-led nuclear talks with Iran.Monday’s meeting precedes one in May at the White House and Camp David with Gulf leaders.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2015

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