UAE: Blinken assures UAE of defence help – Gulf Digital News

UAE: Blinken assures UAE of defence help – Gulf Digital News

Blinken met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Morocco as part of a trip to the Middle East and North Africa.

Washington’s Arab allies chafe at what they see as declining US commitment to security in their region in the face of Iranian involvement in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

Unusually for a US secretary of state, Blinken’s trip did not include any stops in Gulf countries or talks with Saudi officials.

“We have real challenges to confront together, in the region and beyond,” Blinken said at the start of the meeting with Shaikh Mohammed at the crown prince’s private residence in Rabat.

The first challenge Blinken cited was a series of missile attacks by the Houthis against the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“We’re determined to do everything we can to help you defend yourselves effectively against that,” Blinken said, adding that he would also consult the Emirati leader on attempts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and strengthening collective security regarding Iran.

Shaikh Mohammed said the meeting was “a very important opportunity” and “I’m sure we have a lot to talk about, especially our bilateral relationship.”

Gulf states have for years been frustrated at what they see as US inaction