Rubio Meets UAE Leader After Landmark US-Russia Talks on Ukraine
Abu Dhabi, February 20, AP On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, capping a diplomatic journey that featured the highest-level talks between the United States and Russia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the UAE’s strong objection to the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza during their 30-minute meeting in Abu Dhabi, according to the state-run WAM news agency. As the cornerstone of enduring peace, he promoted a two-state solution and underlined the significance of rebuilding Gaza.
Security issues in the Red Sea after strikes by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, and events in Syria and Lebanon were also discussed. Rubio commended the UAE for its assistance in facilitating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, as well as its close defense and commercial relations with the United States.
Despite continuing Western sanctions against Moscow, Rubio’s visit took place during the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, where Russia and Ukraine both displayed military technology. In the meantime, the UAE continues to be a vital transit center for those fleeing military conscription in Russia and Ukraine, and Russian investments are still pouring into Dubai’s real estate market.
Rubio visited the Abrahamic Family House, a historic interfaith complex that includes a synagogue, church, and mosque, in addition to his political responsibilities.
prospective hosts for peace talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine have included the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has also been suggested as a prospective location for a future meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump.