Biden names UAE as second key defense ally following India

WASHINGTON,— U.S. President Joe Biden officially designated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a major defense partner during discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday.

This designation, previously awarded only to India, will facilitate enhanced military collaboration between the two nations through joint training, exercises, and other cooperative initiatives.

The talks, held against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Following their meeting, both leaders issued a statement advocating for “urgent, unhindered” humanitarian aid to the affected region and expressed a shared commitment to achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

At the onset of their discussions, President Biden noted that he had received updates regarding the situation between Israel and Hezbollah Shiite militants in Lebanon, where recent Israeli airstrikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 492 individuals.

“My team is in constant contact with their counterparts, and we’re working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return to their homes safely,” Biden stated, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

The joint statement also addressed the UAE’s role in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with both leaders acknowledging that a military resolution is not viable for the war, which has caused the largest displacement crisis in the world. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative approaches to addressing these humanitarian crises.

In addition to security issues, Biden and Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the importance of advancing cooperation in various fields, including space exploration, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.

The UAE has launched ambitious initiatives in these areas, drawing attention from geopolitical rivals such as China.

In a related engagement, Vice President Kamala Harris met separately with the UAE president. While the details of their discussions were not disclosed to the press, the White House indicated that she expressed grave concerns regarding the conflict in Sudan, highlighting the plight of millions displaced by the war and the atrocities committed against civilians by the warring factions.

This diplomatic engagement reflects the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with key partners in the Middle East while addressing pressing global humanitarian challenges.

(With files from Reuters)