In November 2008, the US Department of State released a joint statement that read, in part, "The United States and the United Arab Emirates have an enduring partnership and share a common vision for a secure, stable, and prosperous Middle East. They share a belief in peace, respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, and a belief that religious tolerance and moderation will prevail over violence and extremism. It is these commonly held tenets that have brought the United States and the UAE to a new level of friendship and cooperation."