On Tuesday, amidst tensions with Iran and US military-related developments in the region, Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed hosted US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Often referred to by his initials MBZ, the UAE President met with Sullivan in Abu Dhabi, where the two discussed relations between the United States and the United Arab Emirates about unspecified regional and international expansions.
The official Emirates News Agency reported that the two men “emphasized the importance of joint action to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.”
However, according to the agency, among other officials, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi also attended the meeting.
Moreover, a National Security Council spokesperson told Al-Monitor that Sullivan met MBZ in Abu Dhabi regarding the talks in Saudi Arabia during the Ukraine war.
According to the spokesperson, the two discussed issues of mutual concern and agreed to remain in contact.
However, Saudi Arabia hosted a summit on the war on Saturday and Sunday.
Why it matters:
MBZ and Sullivan’s discussion on stability in the Middle East comes amid regional tensions, particularly regarding Iran. Moreover, 3,000 US military personnel sailed to the Suez Canal on Sunday.
Moreover, Iran has escalated its attempts to confiscate commercial ships in the strategic waterway following the US takeover of a ship carrying Iranian fuel to China in April.
However, last month an Iranian navy vessel opened fire on a Chevron chartered tanker in international waters off the coast of Oman after the civilian ship refused to give the order to ship.
Besides, on Tuesday, US CENTCOM said that its commander, Gen. Michael Kurilla, traveled to the. UAE and Bahrain aboard a US Navy destroyer. Kurilla met with UAE military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Issa Saif Mohammed al Mazrouei and Bahraini King Hamid bin Isa Khalifa to discuss regional security.
CENTCOM said in a statement that the trip lasted from Sunday to Tuesday.
