In a significant move, US President Joe Biden has officially named the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a major defense partner, making it the second country, after India, to receive such recognition.
The designation follows discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they addressed critical issues, including the escalating conflict in Gaza and instability in the Middle East.
This status allows for enhanced military cooperation between the two nations, including joint exercises, training, and strategic defense collaborations.
Both leaders emphasized the need for “immediate and unrestricted” humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and reiterated their support for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
At the start of the meeting, Biden expressed concerns over the increasing violence in the region, mentioning Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which reportedly resulted in 492 deaths.
Their joint statement also highlighted the UAE’s involvement in the Sudan conflict, where both leaders agreed there was no military solution to the crisis, which has caused widespread displacement.
In addition to defense, the discussion covered potential collaborations in space exploration, clean energy, and artificial intelligence—areas where the UAE has ambitious plans that have drawn global interest, including from China.
Vice President Kamala Harris also met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in a separate session, voicing concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and expressing alarm at the ongoing atrocities committed against civilians.