U.S. President Barack Obama will host Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates at the White House on April 16, said White House spokesman Jay Carney. “The President looks forward to discussing with the Crown Prince the strong and enduring ties between the United States and the UAE and consulting on common strategic interests in the Gulf region and broader Middle East," Carney said in a statement. “The United States and the UAE enjoy a vibrant and expanding bilateral relationship, including strong defense cooperation and economic ties, and a shared commitment to advancing peace, economic opportunity, and stability throughout the world. The United States remains firmly committed to continuing to deepen the U.S.-UAE partnership through close and regular consultations between our two countries," Carney said.