Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs received Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto (photo).

During the meeting, which took place at the HQ of Ministry of Defense in Abu Dhabi, the two ministers discussed the opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation, with a focus on the military and defense sectors, UAE national news agency said in a brief statement.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Pilot Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, has received at the Abu Dhabi Naval Base, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command.

At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Saeed welcomed Cooper and his delegation, praising the development and growth of the existing relations between both countries and their keenness to enhance cooperation in all fields, especially in military and defense affairs.