Biden and UAE President Discuss De-escalation in Middle East

President Joe Biden hosted UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the White House to discuss de-escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, securing a Gaza ceasefire, and strategic partnerships. They also covered topics like artificial intelligence and the Sudan conflict.

U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the White House on Monday for discussions aimed at easing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, as well as efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Biden said that Lebanon and Gaza would be key topics during their meeting, which also touched on artificial intelligence. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet separately with Sheikh Mohamed to discuss similar issues and showcase her national security credentials.

The White House visit highlights the UAE's 'unwavering commitment' to its strategic partnership with the U.S., amidst a backdrop of increasing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. Talks also included the UAE's role in the Sudan conflict and its ambitions in artificial intelligence, an area of interest to both the U.S. and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)