British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on a Middle East peace tour, has defended his close relationship with US President George Bush, a stance that has cost him support in the region.
"The relationship with America is a strength," Mr Blair said after talks with leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Whether solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or developing the region's economies, he added: "People know ... it can't be done without America."
In talks with members of ruling royal family - including the president, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - Mr Blair urged this oil-rich Gulf state to help end the region's turmoil by supporting the beleaguered leaders of Iraq and the Palestinian territories.
The Prime Minister sees the UAE as an important ally in the "arc of moderation" he hopes to encourage across the region.
The tiny state is holding its first-ever elections, with 6,700 hand-picked voters choosing members of a government advisory panel.
"These are tentative steps but welcome steps," Mr Blair's official spokesman said.
PA