U.S. President Joe Biden designated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a “major defense partner” following a historic meeting between the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the US President at the White House.
This was the first official meeting on American soil since the UAE’s establishment in 1971.
According to a White House statement, this status will “further enhance defense cooperation and security in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean regions.”
The partnership would 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, as well as other common military partners, in furtherance of regional stability”, the statement added.
During the talks on September 23, President Biden assured, “Mr. President, I want you to know that I remain committed to UAE security and look forward to discussions covering a lot of areas.”
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his response, reaffirmed his country’s “unwavering commitment” to its relationship with the US. He emphasized the “power of partnerships” and expressed enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties.
The discussions also covered key areas such as trade, investment, technology, space, renewable energy, and sustainability. Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in these sectors to promote global prosperity and stability.
I was pleased to meet with US President Joe Biden (@POTUS) at the White House. The strategic and enduring partnership that unites our countries is unwavering, and today we explored ways to further build on these historic ties in key areas including trade, investment, technology,… pic.twitter.com/iEBee7ZNYx— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 23, 2024
The UAE now became the second country, after India in 2021, to receive this designation. The move solidified military cooperation, despite existing tensions over conflicts in Sudan and the broader Middle East.
President Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan arrived in the Washington on Monday, his first official visit since 2017 and the first-ever White House meeting for a sitting Emirati president.
The visit comes at a time when Israel has stepped up its attacks on Lebanon. During the meeting, President Biden said he had been updated on the recent escalation in Israel and Lebanon and they are working to de-escalate.
“My team is in 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.
UAE seeks closer AI, tech ties with US
The White House also issued a statement highlighting plans between the UAE and US to enhance collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies. Both nations are working toward a memorandum of understanding to support innovation, cybersecurity, and talent development.
The partnership focuses on ethical AI use, aligning with international standards, protecting human rights, and fostering sustainable development. It also aims to promote clean energy for AI systems, boost trade and investment, and close digital divides, particularly in developing nations, while contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Highlights from US-UAE Joint Leaders’ Statement
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with President Biden at the White House during the first-ever official UAE Presidential visit to Washington. The leaders reaffirmed the U.S.-UAE strategic partnership, focusing on defense, technology, and economic cooperation.
Trade and Advanced Technology
Both nations aim to pursue innovative collaborations in various fields, including AI, food security, and infrastructure investment, while strengthening their people-to-people ties.
The leaders welcomed Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in April 2024 to enhance AI development in partnership with the UAE’s Group 42 (G42), aiming to advance digital infrastructure across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
Partners in Security and Defense
Both leaders committed to close collaboration among their military forces to strengthen regional stability. They renewed their commitment to uphold international law and humanitarian principles while addressing threats from non-state actors. The leaders emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to regional security challenges.
UAE designated Major Defense Partner of US
President Biden recognized the UAE as a Major Defense Partner, alongside India, enhancing defense cooperation in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean. This designation allows for unprecedented military collaboration, joint training, and exercises.
Clean Energy
U.S.-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE) initiative includes investments in renewable energy projects, targeting a reduction in energy poverty, especially in Africa. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative sustainability and climate resilience, with a focus on clean energy jobs and technology.
Cybersecurity Cooperation
The leaders recognized the importance of a secure cyberspace for economic growth and pledged to enhance cooperation on cybersecurity, countering malicious cyber activities, and promoting norms of responsible behavior in cyberspace. They emphasized the application of international law in cyberspace governance and committed to building confidence measures between states.
Space Exploration
The leaders reinforced the U.S. and UAE’s cooperation in space, including historic missions like the Hope Probe to Mars and ongoing collaboration with NASA. They highlighted the agreement for NASA to provide the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center an airlock for Gateway, enabling the first Emirati astronaut to fly to the Moon. They welcomed the training of Emirati astronauts and the joint efforts on Mars research.
Partnership in Middle East and Wider Region
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring the release of hostages. President Biden praised the UAE’s humanitarian efforts, including aid corridors and field hospitals. They emphasized the urgent need for unhindered delivery of assistance and the protection of aid workers in the region.
They emphasized the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of maintaining the historic status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites.
The two leaders stressed the importance of resolving the dispute over the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice. They expressed alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, calling for immediate action to cease hostilities and protect civilians.