President Joe Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met at the White House on Monday. This was the first visit by a UAE president to Washington since the country was founded in 1971.
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
The two leaders discussed the ongoing violence in Gaza, the civil war in Sudan, and the development of artificial intelligence.
They also talked about ways to strengthen the U.S.-UAE strategic and defense partnership.
This weekend President Biden hosted Quad Leaders at his home in Wilmington, Delaware.
Through this partnership, we will continue to advance our shared vision of an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, and resilient. pic.twitter.com/Sw0z9c7ujg
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 23, 2024
During the meeting, Biden designated the UAE as a “major defence partner.” This makes the UAE only the second country to receive this designation, after India in 2021. The White House said this designation will “further enhance defense cooperation and security in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean regions.” It will also allow for “unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration between the military forces of the United States, the UAE, and India.”
The meeting took place amid escalating violence in Gaza.
I met today with President Sheikh Mohamed of the UAE. Together we are growing our security, tech, and economic partnership — from AI to space. We are also working to strengthen regional stability and address the grave humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. pic.twitter.com/dyyaP30ka1
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 24, 2024
At least 492 people, including 35 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah military infrastructure. Biden emphasized ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of civilians. “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,” he said.
The two leaders also discussed plans for stabilization and recovery in Gaza that address the humanitarian crisis and lay the groundwork for responsible governance.
Biden designates UAE as defense partner
They reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Despite some disagreements, the U.S. sees the UAE as crucial to post-war recovery plans in Gaza. The White House highlighted that at least 41,431 Palestinians have been affected by an extended Israeli offensive. The designation of the UAE as a major defence partner comes despite tension over the UAE’s alleged involvement in the Sudanese conflict.
The UAE has been accused of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is engaged in a civil war with the Sudanese army. The conflict in Sudan has led to significant human displacement, with more than 10.7 million people internally displaced and a further 2.3 million forced to flee, according to the UN. In a separate meeting, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed deep concerns over the Sudanese conflict.
She highlighted the severe displacement and atrocities against civilians. The White House said that Biden and Al Nahyan discussed the conflict in Sudan and stressed that there is no military solution. They emphasized compliance with international humanitarian law.
