DUBAI (Reuters) -- A United Arab Emirates official voiced astonishment on Friday at a threat of U.S. action against the state for allegedly failing to prevent a flow of technology to Iran and Syria that can be used in homemade bombs.

"This is truly a surprising claim and I am sure it will raise many reservations. Actually our cooperation and coordination with several U.S. government departments over this issue is very close and effective," said Abdullah Al Saleh, under secretary at the economy ministry.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for export administration Chris Padilla said in a speech on Thursday that Washington might consider action against its ally because Abu Dhabi had so far failed to heed U.S. calls on the issue.

"We continue to discuss this issue with UAE authorities but time for action is running short," Padilla said, without saying what kind of action was envisaged.

Saleh said his country would continue to cooperate closely with Washington on implementing export controls.

"We are very happy with this cooperation and consistently working to make it even stronger," Saleh said in remarks delivered by his office in response to a question by Reuters. The UAE has suspended 24 companies for breaches of export rules in the past two years, he said.

"The UAE should be complimented on its efforts, commitment and cooperation."