Richard Holbrooke, the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, would visit Abu Dhabi next week for discussing issues of security importance during a high level meeting with the host authorities.

The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed his arrival in the country on Monday during his way to Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the embassy declined to divulge more details of the visit. However, unofficial reports claimed that he would meet envoys and special representatives for the countries including Dr Rangin Spanta, the Afghan foreign minister, and his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Dr Theodore Karasik, the head of research at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, added, "The UAE is seen as a platform for foreign-policy discussions regarding the countries of South-West Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan."

Mr. Holbrooke would hold meeting with official of Pakistan for discussing the progress of fight against terrorism and issues such as delay in issuing visa to Pakistani nationals. A spokesperson of Mr. Holbrooke said, "In Pakistan, he will call on leadership, continue dialogue, and look for ways we can emphasize Pakistan assistance and address concerns."