WASHINGTON–Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano will travel to the United Arab Emirates on May 31-June 1, at the invitation of UAE Minister of the Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, to meet with her counterparts from the Middle East region and officials from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to discuss ways to bolster global aviation security.
This will be the fifth in a series of major international meetings hosted by ICAO member states in which the Secretary will participate to build consensus on strengthening global aviation security, and to identify specific steps which nations can take individually and collectively to protect all passengers.
Prior to visiting UAE, Secretary Napolitano will travel to Saudi Arabia on May 30-31 at the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Nayef to meet with top Saudi officials about a variety of global security issues. While there, she will discuss counter-terrorism, counter-radicalization and cooperation on critical infrastructure protection, and deliver remarks to students and businesswomen about the importance of opportunities in education and the value of public service for women across the world.
Secretary Napolitano shortened her trip, canceling her participation in this weekend’s G-6 meetings in Italy. DHS Assistant Secretary for Policy David Heyman attended in her place. While overseas, she will remain engaged with all developments in the BP oil spill and direct response actions as necessary.