On Monday, President Joe Biden recognized the UAE as a “major defense partner” of the US after fruitful talks with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two heads of state discussed pressing issues including the war in Gaza, and consequent geopolitical unrest in the Middle East.
This designation will bolster the UAE’s position as a strong ally to the US, and allow the oil-exporting nation to expand its defense portfolio. India is the only other nation that has received this specific designation. Thereby, allowing for close military cooperation through joint training, exercises, and other collaborative efforts between the countries. Biden shared the latest brief he received from his “counterparts” in Lebanon, which revealed a fresh death toll of 492 across Lebanon as a result of Isreal airstrikes on Monday.
Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the need for “urgent, unhindered” humanitarian aid to Gaza. They expressed their commitment to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in a joint statement following their meeting. Their joint statement also addressed the Gulf state’s role in the Sudan conflict, with both leaders emphasizing that there is no military solution to the war, resulting in the world’s largest displacement crisis.
Vice President and Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris also met with the UAE leader, but their discussion was closed to the press. “The vice president raised her deep concerns about the conflict in Sudan,” the White House said in a statement. “She expressed alarm at the millions of individuals who have been displaced by the war and the atrocities committed by the belligerents against the civilian population.”
Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, emphasized last week that the visit will center on strengthening bilateral ties and “how we want to realign our relationship with America for the next 10 years”.
Sheikh Mohamed pens his experience of visiting President Biden in the White House guestbook. Image Credits: Ryan Carter/ UAE Presidential Court
Aside from geopolitical escalations and conflict strategies, the leaders explored plans to further their collaborations in developing AI, trade, space, and sustainability. Shortly after meeting President Biden, the UAE President endorsed the “The Common Principles for Cooperation on AI” framework at the White House. The joint framework was also signed by Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor to cement cooperation between the UAE and the US in artificial intelligence and related technologies.
I was pleased to meet with US President Joe Biden (@POTUS) at the White House. The strategic and enduring partnership that unites our countries is unwavering, and today we explored ways to further build on these historic ties in key areas including trade, investment, technology,… pic.twitter.com/iEBee7ZNYx
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 23, 2024
Both nations aim to foster talent development in AI to promote ethical AI research and development and broaden cooperation in AI protection and cybersecurity. President Biden praised the UAE as a “nation of trailblazers, always looking to the future, always making big bets”, he said. “That’s something our countries have in common, our people have in common,” Biden added.
President Biden met with His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today to strengthen the enduring and dynamic strategic partnership between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates and advance our shared vision for a more secure, stable, and prosperous world. pic.twitter.com/XccWNFw7vU
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 23, 2024
