RIYADH, May 22 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates did nottry to influence the election of Donald Trump, a minister saidon Tuesday, following reports that the president's son met withan envoy representing the crown princes of the UAE and SaudiArabia.

"Attention needs to be paid to facts over innuendo &speculation; the UAE made no effort to influence the 2016 U.S.election," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargashsaid on Twitter.

"Like other governments friendly to the US, UAE officialshad contact with staff & advisors in both 2016 presidentialcampaigns to inform and be informed of the candidates' foreignpolicy positions."

The New York Times last week reported on a meeting in August2016 at which Lebanese-American businessman George Nader toldDonald Trump, Jr. that the Gulf Arab leaders were eager to helphis father win the election.

Trump Jr.'s attorney has said nothing came of that meeting.

Nader's lawyer has said her client "has fully cooperatedwith the U.S. special counsel's investigation and will continueto do so."

U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whetherRussia meddled in the presidential election and if Moscowcolluded with the Trump campaign, as well as whether Trumpcommitted obstruction of justice by trying to thwart the U.S.Department of Justice probe.

Trump has denied any collusion with Russia and has calledthe Mueller investigation a "witch hunt."

The New York Times report said the meetings are anindication that other countries besides Russia may have offeredhelp to Trump's presidential campaign.

Since 1974, the United States has barred foreign nationalsfrom giving money to political campaigns and it later barredthem from donating to political parties. Campaign financing lawsalso prohibit foreign nationals from coordinating with acampaign and buying advertising that explicitly calls for theelection or defeat of a candidate.

(Reporting By Stephen Kalin; editing by John Stonestreet) ((stephen.kalin@tr.com; +966554282201; Reuters Messaging:stephen.kalin.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))