Washington, Aug 25 - The US has praised the efforts made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the field of nuclear safety, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.

US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke hailed the UAE's commitment and preparation on the pending US-UAE Civil Nuclear Agreement and praised its commitments to high standards of nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation.

'The UAE is a strong regional ally with whom we have a mutually beneficial political, security, and economic relationship,' Locke said at a meeting of the US-UAE Business Council.

'The UAE was the largest US export destination in the Middle East. In the first half of 2009, of America's top 25 export markets - exports declined to all but one. The UAE stands alone as the only top-25 US export market to which US exports actually grew,' he added.