Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met yesterday with Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on a 21 day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border and a diplomatic solution that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes. They also discussed ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages and set the conditions for an end to the war and broader regional stability.

They reaffirmed the dynamic strategic partnership between our two countries and discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation and promote peace and stability. Secretary Blinken welcomed the United Arab Emirates as a Major Defense Partner of the United States, joined only by India, to allow for unprecedented military-to-military cooperation in the Middle East, East Africa, and Indian Ocean regions. He also underscored the need for the belligerents in Sudan to stop attacks on civilians in El Fasher and elsewhere, cease hostilities and ensure unfettered humanitarian access.