President Joe Biden acknowledged the UAE as a significant defense partner of the US on Monday following discussions with its President on issues encompassing the conflict in Gaza and escalating instability in the Middle East. The US designation, with India being the sole other nation to receive such a designation, facilitates close military collaboration through joint training, exercises, and other cooperative initiatives. Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed jointly advocated for "immediate, unimpeded" humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza and reaffirmed their dedication to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in a statement issued post their meeting.
At the outset of the meeting, Biden disclosed that he had been updated on the recent developments between Israel and Lebanon, where Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes had resulted in the deaths of at least 492 individuals on Monday. "My team is continuously in touch with their counterparts, and we are striving to de-escalate the situation in a manner that enables people to return to their homes safely," he stated.
Their joint statement emphasized that there is no military resolution to the Sudan conflict, which has instigated the world's most extensive displacement crisis. Additionally, they highlighted plans to enhance cooperation in space exploration, clean energy, and artificial intelligence, areas where the UAE has initiated ambitious projects attracting interest from the US's geopolitical rival, China. Vice President Kamala Harris held separate discussions with the UAE leader, but these talks were not open to the press.
