UAE and US Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Joint Statement

UAE, US issue joint statement; deepen cooperation, ties

Image: WAM UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Joseph R Biden Junior reaffirmed the countries' enduring strategic and defence partnership during the UAE's President's state visit to the US. The meeting, held on September 23 at the White House, is the first-ever state visit by a UAE president to the US. It also marks the fourth bilateral meeting between the leaders since the Biden-Harris Administration. The leaders discussed global and regional matters, pledging to pursue new opportunities to strengthen their economic and defence partnership, promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and deliver global leadership on issues of shared importance. The leaders issued a joint statement to mark the visit and discussion, covering diverse areas of cooperation. UAE-US: Key areas of cooperation Dynamic strategic partnership: The leaders emphasised the strength of the U.S.-UAE partnership, reflected in bilateral trade exceeding $40bn annually and US exports to the UAE reaching $26bn. They charted an ambitious course for deepening cooperation in advanced technologies and clean energy. Advanced technology: The leaders welcomed the partnership between Microsoft and the UAE's Group 42 (G42), which aims to accelerate AI development and digital transformation in the region. They also endorsed the Common Principles for Cooperation on AI, which will guide their collaboration in this area. Critical infrastructure and supply chain resiliencies: The leaders reviewed progress on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aim to enhance connectivity and economic integration. They also discussed the importance of strategic investments in hard infrastructure and critical minerals supply chains. Clean energy transition: The leaders underscored the importance of US-UAE leadership in addressing the climate crisis. They affirmed their commitment to protecting the planet and securing a sustainable future through initiatives like the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE). Space exploration: As founding members of the Artemis Accords, the leaders reaffirmed their cooperation in space exploration and human exploration of the Moon. Security and defence: The leaders praised the strong security and defence partnership between the US and the UAE. President Biden affirmed the US's commitment to the UAE's security and territorial defence. They also discussed deepening cooperation in defence systems and military-to-military collaboration. Regional issues: The leaders discussed the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and the Middle East, emphasizing the need for peaceful solutions, humanitarian assistance, and de-escalation. Read: UAE President reaffirms 'unwavering commitment' to US partnership

UAE President reaffirms 'unwavering commitment' to US

Image credit: Emirates News Agency President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE's unwavering commitment to its US partnership and hailed the power of building bridges with nations that share the same values and ambitions for a brighter future. The UAE President and his US counterpart, President Joe Biden, discussed the depth of the alliance relationship between the two countries and their joint determination to strengthen these bonds further. The two leaders reviewed various aspects of the longstanding bilateral ties, particularly in the fields of trade and investment, the economy, advanced technology, space, renewable energy, climate action, sustainability and food security. "They welcomed the partnership between Microsoft and Group 42 (G42) through Microsoft's $1.5bn investment in April 2024. This investment accelerates joint AI development and brings advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa," the White House said in a statement. President Sheikh Mohamed and President Biden expressed their keenness to expand collaboration in these areas to help advance both countries' shared ambitions for global prosperity and stability. The UAE President also met with US Vice President Kamala Harris. The two leaders reviewed the significant progress witnessed in bilateral relations in recent years and discussed opportunities for further collaboration in the economy, trade and investment, technology and other fields. Meanwhile, the US President recognised the UAE as a major defence partner after India, paving the way for close military cooperation through joint training, exercises and other collaborative efforts. "The unique designation as a major defence partner will allow for unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration between the military forces of the US, the UAE, and India, as well as other common military partners, in furtherance of regional stability," the statement added. Read: UAE President to begin state visit to US on Sept 23