US designates UAE as major defense partner after India
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On Monday, President Joe Biden formally recognized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a major defence partner of the United States following talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions centred on the war in Gaza, regional instability, and the broader Middle East crisis.
The designation strengthens military cooperation between the two nations, with the UAE now joining India as the only other country with this status. This recognition enables deeper military collaboration through joint training, exercises and other strategic efforts to enhance defence readiness in a highly volatile region.
Biden and Sheikh Mohamed also issued a joint call for "urgent, unhindered" humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, signalling their shared commitment to helping civilians affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Both leaders endorsed the need for a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of negotiations and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
At the start of the meeting, Biden addressed the escalating violence between Israel and Lebanon. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes on Monday led to the deaths of at least 492 people in Lebanon, as confirmed by Lebanese officials. Biden said, "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 home safely".
Their joint statement also focused on the broader instability in the region, noting that the ongoing war in Sudan has resulted in the world's largest displacement crisis. Both leaders stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution, stating that "there is no military solution" to the conflict.
The meeting also marked an opportunity for the US and UAE to deepen cooperation in areas beyond defence, emphasising space exploration, clean energy and artificial intelligence. The UAE has ambitious plans in these fields, which have also drawn interest from China, a key geopolitical competitor of the US.
While Biden’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed drew attention, Vice President Kamala Harris also held separate discussions with the UAE leader. These talks, however, were closed to the press.
The talks come at a crucial time for both nations as they navigate growing instability in the Middle East, a shifting geopolitical landscape, and their mutual interest in fostering both security and economic cooperation.
President Sheikh Mohamed and Joe Biden highlighted their commitment to expanding collaboration in key areas such as space exploration, clean energy and artificial intelligence.