UK defence co-operation with Gulf States

This file concerns Gulf military cooperation. It contains correspondence on:

• Areas where the UK might cooperate with Gulf nations in security and defence matters
• Possible military cooperation between Gulf States
• An agreement between Oman and Dubai to hold joint military exercises and the prospects of such a deal between Oman and Abu Dhabi
• The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah’s view of the importance of Saudi Arabia's participation in defence and security cooperation
• The visit of the British Minister of State Douglas Hurd to the UAE
• The views of the Amir of Qatar on security in the Straits of Hormuz, proposals for the neutrality of Afghanistan and Iranian broadcasts in Arabic to the Shia population in the Gulf
• US naval deployment east of Hormuz
• Cuts in UK defence spending.