On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden held discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Sudan, despite worries over the UAE’s involvement in the Sudan conflict.
Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, also met with the Emirati leader at the White House, marking the first visit by a president of the oil-rich nation to Washington.
After greeting Sheikh Mohamed, President Biden, 81, stated that they would “discuss our efforts to end the war in Gaza and various other issues.”
He shared that he had been updated on the situation in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions had resulted in 356 fatalities, emphasizing his commitment to “working to de-escalate” tensions.
Biden praised the UAE, calling it a “nation of innovators, always focused on the future and making significant investments,” and noted its impending status as a “major defense partner” of the United States.
However, he did not address the situation in Sudan during his opening remarks, despite his recent calls for an end to the violent civil war between al Burhan’s army (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Last week, the White House indicated that both Biden and Vice President Harris would discuss “the crisis in Sudan” with Sheikh Mohamed, focusing on the need for humanitarian assistance and a ceasefire.
Harris was engaged in separate discussions with the UAE leader at the White House.
The UAE portrayed the visit as a platform to emphasize economic and technological collaboration.
Presidential advisor Anwar Gargash stated that Emiratis are looking to shift their economy from oil dependency to new technologies such as AI, prioritizing “economy first, prosperity first” in their “strategic relationship” with the United States.
Gargash also mentioned that while some may highlight tensions, the UAE’s relationship with the U.S. remains “our most important strategic partnership.”
