ABU DHABI: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, focusing on bilateral relations and regional concerns, with a particular emphasis on the situation in Gaza.
President Al Nahyan stressed the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to safeguard civilian lives and facilitate the secure delivery of humanitarian aid.
I met with Emirati President @MohamedBinZayed in Abu Dhabi today to discuss efforts to prevent the conflict in the region from widening and address humanitarian needs in Gaza. I underscored our continued commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. pic.twitter.com/gujTpSNmvW
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 8, 2024
Blinken’s regional tour, which commenced on January 4, included visits to Jordan and Qatar. The primary objective of his Middle East mission is to prevent the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and address the broader implications in the region.