On Monday, September 23, US President Biden met with the President of the UAE to discuss topics such as the Gaza conflict and the situation in the Middle East. Following the meeting, the White House issued a statement designating the UAE as a major defense partner of the United States.
Previously, India was the only country recognized as a Major Defense Partner by the United States.
The White House statement indicated that “President Biden today confirmed that the security partnership between the United States and the UAE is deepening, enhancing cooperation in advanced technology and procurement, and sharing common interests in conflict prevention and de-escalation, thus designating the UAE as a major defense partner of the United States.”
“The UAE will become a major defense partner of the United States, previously only India was recognized as such,” emphasized the White House, stating that this move will further strengthen defense cooperation and security in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean region.
Being recognized as a major defense partner of the United States allows for closer military cooperation between the two nations.
The White House stated that the military forces of the US, UAE, and India, along with other mutual military partners, will engage in unprecedented collaboration through joint exercises, training, and military cooperation to promote regional stability.
This marks the first visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to Washington and the fourth bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries since Biden took office.
In their post-meeting statement, the leaders called for “urgent, unimpeded, and sustained” delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and jointly committed to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
At the start of the meeting, Biden mentioned receiving briefings on the latest developments between Israel and Lebanon, where Lebanese officials reported at least 492 people died in Israeli airstrikes on Monday.
Biden stated, “My team has been in touch with their counterparts and we are working towards de-escalating the situation so people can safely return home.”
They also addressed the issue of conflict in Sudan. The conflict has displaced nearly 10 million people and left 25 million in need of humanitarian assistance.
Both leaders emphasized that the conflict in Sudan has triggered a severe refugee crisis globally, which cannot be resolved through military means. They stressed the need for immediate concrete actions to stop hostilities, restore political processes, and facilitate a transition to civilian leadership.
Additionally, they emphasized plans to deepen cooperation in space exploration, clean energy, and artificial intelligence fields.
Following the meeting with Biden, the President of the UAE also met Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House.
The White House stated that Harris welcomed the UAE’s continued leadership in advanced technology and building a close partnership with the United States, including in areas of security, reliable and trustworthy use of AI, and joint efforts in strategic investments, diversifying supply chains, and space exploration.
Harris discussed the Gaza conflict and efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage agreement, emphasizing the importance of protecting innocent civilians and maintaining humanitarian aid.
She also expressed deep concern about the conflict in Sudan.
The White House expressed her shock at the millions displaced by war and the atrocities committed by warring parties against civilians. Harris emphasized the critical need to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table, end the conflict, and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach those in need.