The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Secretary reaffirmed the strong U.S.-UAE partnership and reviewed ways to broaden and deepen our wide-ranging cooperation, including our shared commitment to peace in Yemen. They spoke about recent regional developments, such as the need for Israelis and Palestinians to urgently take steps to prevent further escalation of violence and restore calm. Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude for the UAE’s hosting of the Negev Forum Working Groups in Abu Dhabi on January 9-10, as well as the UAE’s climate cooperation and leadership ahead of COP28.