Washington:
U.S. President Joe Biden hosted United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the White House on Monday and said the two leaders would discuss ways to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
At the start of his meeting with the UAE leader, Biden said Lebanon and Gaza would be high on the agenda for talks, along with discussions on artificial intelligence.
Biden said he had been briefed on the latest developments in Israel and Lebanon ahead of the meeting, adding: “We remain in touch with our counterparts in both countries and are working to de-escalate tensions so that people can return home safely.”
Sheikh Mohammed said his country was “unwaveringly committed” to working with the United States and deepening the strategic partnership between the allies. Harris is also due to discuss efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal in separate meetings with UAE leaders. It will be the first time a Emirati president has visited the White House, a White House official said.
After shaking hands with Sheikh Mohammed, Biden said he would “discuss several issues, including our efforts to end the war in Gaza.”
He said he had been briefed on the situation in Lebanon, where Israeli forces had bombed Hezbollah positions, killing 356 people, and was “trying to calm the situation.”
Biden praised ties with the UAE, describing it as a “pioneer nation that is always looking to the future, always making big bets” and said the UAE seeks to be a “major defense partner” of the United States.
Harris met separately with UAE leaders at the White House.
The UAE, however, took a different stance, saying the visit was aimed at highlighting economic and technological cooperation.