US President Joe Biden announced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a major defense partner of the United States after meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The decision underscores a new level of strategic cooperation between the countries, giving the UAE a status previously accorded only to India. This status opens up opportunities for in-depth military coordination, joint exercises and expansion of defense cooperation. About this informs Reuters.
The new partnership involves not only the expansion of bilateral initiatives, but also the strengthening of participation in multinational operations aimed at strengthening stability in the Middle East region. Both countries seek to create a more secure environment amid growing threats from terrorist groups and military conflicts in the region.
Discussion of the conflict in Gaza and humanitarian aid
One of the key topics of the talks between Biden and Sheikh Mohammed was the escalation of the situation in Gaza between Israel and the Hamas group. The leaders called for immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population suffering from military operations. The joint statement stressed the importance of a ceasefire between the parties to the conflict to avoid further escalation.
Biden stressed that his team is in constant contact with Israeli and Lebanese officials in an effort to reduce tensions following the massive Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 492 people in Lebanon.
“My team is in constant contact with their colleagues and we are working to de-escalate so that people can safely return to their homes.”, — noted Biden.
In addition to the situation in Gaza, Biden and Sheikh Mohammed discussed the ongoing crisis in Sudan, which has caused one of the world’s largest humanitarian disasters due to massive population displacement. The leaders emphasized the need for a diplomatic settlement of the conflict, noting that a military solution is unacceptable. Biden emphasized that the consequences of this conflict have a global impact and require the attention of the international community.
In addition to military and humanitarian issues, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in high-tech areas such as space exploration, clean energy and artificial intelligence. The UAE already has ambitious plans in these areas, actively cooperating with players such as China, but strengthening its partnership with the US opens new horizons for the development of technological and scientific initiatives.
