Biden administration names UAE ‘major defense partner’ in unusual move | Joe Biden News

The US-UAE is increasing military cooperation as the Middle East struggles with the war erupting in Gaza despite the conflict in Sudan.

United States President Joe Biden has recognized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as his “biggest defense partner”, strengthening military ties despite the conflict in Sudan and deadly tensions in the Middle East.

Monday’s announcement, which follows a White House meeting between Biden and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, makes the UAE only the second country to receive the designation. The Biden administration has given India the name in 2021.

In a statement, the White House said the article “will enhance defense and security cooperation in the Middle East, East Africa, and Indian Ocean regions”.

It added that it would also “enable unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military cooperation, between the militaries of the United States, the UAE, and India, as well as other conventional military partners, on the move.” of regional stability”.

The meeting came as Israel stepped up its offensive in Lebanon. At least 492 people, including 35 children, were killed on Monday in Israeli airstrikes in an area it said targeted Hezbollah military infrastructure.

“My team is in constant communication with their colleagues, and we are working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return to their homes safely,” Biden told reporters during a photo op in the Oval Office.

A US State Department official, speaking to reporters later on Monday, also said that US officials will be discussing “concrete ideas” of “incompatibility” alongside the United Nations this week. Washington is often criticized for avoiding using its power – including billions in military aid to Israel – to defuse tensions in the region.

In Gaza, the two leaders “reiterated their commitment to continue working together to end the conflict” and the need for UN aid to be allowed into the enclave, the White House said. So far, at least 41,431 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during Israel’s almost year-long offensive.

The UAE has been a leading voice in the UN Security Council, putting forward resolutions condemning Israel’s war in Gaza, which often opposes the veto-wielding US.

However, Washington has long viewed the Gulf state as a key to any post-war Gaza recovery plans.

The White House said Biden and Al Nahyan discussed “an approach to strengthening and recovery that responds to the people’s crisis, establishes law and order, and lays the foundation for responsible governance” and “their commitment to a two-state solution” for Israel and Palestine.

Conflict in Sudan

Monday’s appointment comes despite controversy over the UAE’s alleged role in the Sudanese war.

The UAE is accused of sending weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been locked in a bloody civil war with the Sudanese army since April last year.

Both sides have been accused of abuses in the war, which has displaced more than 10.7 million people and forced another 2.3 million to flee the country, according to the UN.

Before the White House meeting, five US lawmakers sent a letter to Biden asking him to use the power of Washington to demand change.

A White House statement said the leaders discussed the conflict and “underscored that there will be no military solution to the conflict in Sudan”. They also “stressed that all parties to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law”, it added.

In a separate meeting with the president of the UAE, US Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris “expressed her deep concern about the conflict in Sudan”, the White House said.

“He expressed shock at the millions of people who have been displaced by the war and the brutality committed by the rebels in the community,” the statement said.