UAE President Emphasizes Need to Prevent Expansion of Conflict in the Region

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken today, Monday, at the Al Beach Palace in Abu Dhabi. The two sides discussed the cooperative relations and joint work between the two countries, as well as ways to enhance these in various fields to achieve their mutual interests. The meeting also addressed several regional and international issues of common interest, and developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the serious repercussions of the crisis in Gaza on peace, stability, and security in the entire region. The UAE President emphasized the "necessity of working towards a ceasefire in Gaza to protect civilian lives and ensure the provision of permanent and safe mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of the area without hindrance, as well as preventing their displacement." Both sides stressed the importance of "avoiding the escalation of the conflict that threatens regional peace, as well as finding a clear horizon for comprehensive and lasting peace in the region as it is the way to achieve regional stability." For his part, Blinken posted on his official account on X, "I met with Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi today to discuss ways to prevent escalation in the region and how to meet humanitarian needs in Gaza." He continued, "I underscored our continued commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state."