Biden Recognizes UAE as Major Defense Partner Amid Middle East Tensions

U.S. President Joe Biden declared the United Arab Emirates a major defense partner of the U.S. following a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The announcement called for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged steps to preserve Jerusalem's historic status quo.

U.S. President Joe Biden has officially recognized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a major defense partner of the United States, according to a joint statement issued on Monday.

The announcement followed a meeting between Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of supporting a ceasefire and advancing hostage release efforts in Gaza.

The joint statement also highlighted the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that could hinder the two-State solution and stressed maintaining the historic status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)