Abu Dhabi: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a crucial meeting with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi as part of his ongoing Middle East tour. The discussions centered around efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts in the region and address the pressing humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Blinken, in a statement shared on X, highlighted the significance of the meeting, stating, “I met with Emirati President @MohamedBinZayed in Abu Dhabi today to discuss efforts to prevent the conflict in the region from widening and address humanitarian needs in Gaza. I underscored our continued commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”
The talks between the two leaders encompassed various aspects of cooperation and joint efforts between the United States and the UAE, with a focus on enhancing ties for mutual interests. The ongoing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Gaza Strip was a central point of discussion, emphasizing its impact on peace, stability, and regional security.
President Al Nahyan stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to safeguard civilian lives and ensure the secure delivery of humanitarian relief, as reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Secretary Blinken’s Middle East tour, aimed at managing regional tensions and preventing the spread of conflicts, commenced on January 5. After visits to Jordan, Turkey, and Greece, he arrived in Qatar before his meeting in Abu Dhabi. The Secretary is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday, January 8, followed by a visit to Israel, reflecting the United States’ active diplomatic engagement in the region.
The discussions between Blinken and Al Nahyan underline the international community’s commitment to finding solutions for regional stability and addressing the humanitarian challenges in conflict-ridden areas, particularly Gaza.
