United Arab Emirates and United States: committed to climate, trade and humanitarian dilemma
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and senior congressional leaders in Washington on Wednesday and discussed the best ways to develop bilateral engagement in the fields of security, climate, trade and investment. During the talks with the US Secretary of State, the two sides affirmed their joint commitment to combat extremism, confront the threats facing both sides in the Middle East region, and continue to work to strengthen the Abraham Accords and ensure their success.
During the meeting they also discussed the increased tension between Palestinians and Israelis following the formation of a new far-right government in Israel. "We have a wonderful and diverse relationship with the United States," said the sheikh. "We should be very proud of all that we have achieved together as governments, but together, as people of our two countries, we are in a great place," he added. For his part Blinken said the meeting was a great opportunity to advance the cause of peace, stability and security.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan further highlighted the UAE's strong commitment to addressing the effects of climate change, as well as cooperation on many bilateral decisions aimed at facilitating the smooth transformation to renewable energy sources and increasing investments in climate-smart agriculture and food systems. For example, the "Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy" initiative launched by the UAE and the United States in November 2022, which includes the provision of $100 billion in financing, investments and other means of support as incentives to provide an additional 100 gigawatts of clean energy by 2035.
Alluding to the UAE's hosting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) this year, he said climate change has a major impact on the UAE and the country is undergoing a major energy transition. "We understand the urgent need for ambitious action with the United States and other partners to address climate change and facilitate a smooth transition to a near carbon-neutral world in the future," said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The UAE is the largest market for US exports in the Middle East, and economic partnerships help generate jobs, innovation opportunities and economic growth for both states.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan held meetings with members of the Senate, Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Council, Committee Vice Chairman Senator James Risch, and Senator Todd Young, where they discussed ways to strengthen the economic ties that bind the UAE and the US and promote investment and trade between the two countries. The Secretary of State and the Foreign Minister discussed the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, as well as US and UAE humanitarian assistance to those affected. The US Secretary of State also reiterated the United States' strong support for Ukraine and expressed appreciation for the UAE's generous humanitarian aid contributions to the Ukrainian people.
With more than 35,000 people killed in the earthquake, the urgency for humanitarian assistance is growing. Both the US and the UAE have been active in search and rescue efforts and pledged millions of dollars in aid. The UAE has allocated $100 million in aid to Turkey and Syria and has delivered 107 tonnes of assistance to the affected areas. Meanwhile, the US has pledged $85 million in aid to Turkey and Syria and has sent 150 search and rescue operators to the affected areas.
Americas Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra
