US President Joe Biden welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the White House on Monday. Their discussions focused on easing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, alongside efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. This visit marks the start of a series of foreign leader meetings aligned with the UN General Assembly week.
Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasized the importance of Lebanon and Gaza in the talks. He also highlighted that artificial intelligence would be part of their discussions. Biden noted that he had been updated on the situation between Israel and Lebanon and reaffirmed the U.S.’s dedication to reducing tensions and ensuring civilian safety.
Read more: Saudi Arabia rejects recognizing Israel without Palestinian sovereignty
Sheikh Mohamed expressed a strong commitment to collaborating with the U.S. and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. He affirmed that his country remains dedicated to working closely with the U.S. to address Middle Eastern issues and broader international concerns.
Vice President Harris will also engage in separate talks with Sheikh Mohamed, focusing on the Gaza ceasefire and potential hostage deals. This meeting presents an opportunity for Harris to demonstrate her national security capabilities as she prepares for the upcoming presidential election.
The meeting occurs amidst rising violence, as Israel intensified airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties. The talks are expected to cover other topics, such as UAE’s role in the Sudan conflict and its ambitions in artificial intelligence, which has drawn interest from the U.S. and rival nations like China.
