UAE-US diplomatic partnership expected to deepen as Trump heads to Abu Dhabi
15 May 2025 00:16
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)With US President Donald Trump visiting the UAE on Thursday, attention is once again focused on the fast-deepening partnership between the two nations.From defence and economic cooperation to regional diplomacy and humanitarian response, the UAE and the US have built one of the Middle East's most multifaceted bilateral relationships - one that is expected to expand further during President Trump's visit.Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, the UAE and the US have cultivated a relationship rooted in shared interests, mutual security, and economic collaboration.Over the decades, the two nations have grown their defence cooperation through joint military exercises and arms agreements, positioning the UAE as a critical American partner in Gulf security and counterterrorism operations. Furthermore, the ever-deepening economic ties have positioned Abu Dhabi as a diplomatic player and key stakeholder in the US's strategy in the region.President Trump's visit follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements, including a recent visit to Abu Dhabi by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in February 2025. During his meeting with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rubio reaffirmed the strength of the US-UAE strategic partnership, emphasising the nations' shared interests in economic growth, technological advancement, and regional security.The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and economic innovation. Rubio also addressed ongoing efforts to stabilise Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, and tackled maritime security challenges in the Red Sea – all key areas where the UAE is heavily engaged with their American counterparts to ensure a more peaceful vision for the Middle East.The two countries continue to work closely on regional security issues, sharing a commitment to upholding international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and addressing the root causes of conflicts. Both countries have stressed the importance of sustainable solutions to the threats posed by non-state actors and terrorist organisations, while also supporting frameworks to advance peace, integration, and prosperity across the region.
Focus on the Gaza Crisis
A key geopolitical topic expected to feature in this week's talks is the ongoing war in Gaza. Both nations have called for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire, the release of hostages, and strict adherence to international humanitarian law. President Biden previously commended the UAE for its humanitarian leadership, including launching a maritime aid corridor, establishing a field hospital in Gaza, and supporting medical evacuations for civilians.The two countries have emphasised the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access to civilians across Gaza, calling on all parties to facilitate the safe delivery of life-saving assistance. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has praised US mediation efforts alongside Egypt and Qatar, reaffirming the UAE's support for building on the US proposal to establish a political horizon for lasting peace. Both sides reiterated their commitment to the two-state solution, recognising it as the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.In Sudan, where civil war continues to devastate the population, the UAE and US have expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis. Both nations have rejected any military solution to the conflict, calling instead for an immediate ceasefire, the return to political dialogue, and a transition to civilian-led governance. They stressed the need to protect civilians, scale up humanitarian aid, and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, particularly in the embattled Darfur region.Both leaders have pledged to continue efforts to prevent Sudan from becoming a breeding ground for transnational terrorist networks, highlighting the importance of securing humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid delivery to the millions affected by violence and famine.
President Trump's upcoming visit is expected to build on this comprehensive agenda, with discussions likely to touch on enhancing defence cooperation, deepening economic investments, and strengthening diplomatic efforts to resolve regional conflicts. The visit comes as both nations continue to position themselves as strategic partners capable of jointly addressing the complex challenges of the Middle East.
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