Biden announces UAE as America's second defense partner after India

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that the UAE is a major defence partner of the United States, following talks with its president that covered several issues including the war in the Gaza Strip and the growing unrest in the Middle East.

This classification allows for close military cooperation through joint training, maneuvers, and other joint efforts.

Washington has previously given this classification only to India.

In a statement following their meeting, Biden and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for the rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and expressed their commitment to seeking a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).

At the start of the meeting, Biden said he was briefed on the latest developments between Israel and Lebanon, where Lebanese officials said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 492 people on Monday.

"My team is in constant contact with our counterparts, and we are working to de-escalate things in a way that allows people to get home safely," Biden said.

The joint statement touched on the UAE's role in the conflict in Sudan, and both sides stressed that there is no military solution to the war that has caused the largest displacement crisis in the world.

Vice President Kamala Harris met separately with the UAE President in a closed meeting.

"The Vice President expressed her deep concern about the conflict in Sudan," the White House said.

The White House added, "(Harris) expressed her concern about the displacement of millions of people due to the war and the atrocities committed by the warring parties against the civilian population."

(Reuters)