Harris informed reporters after the assembly she made the journey on behalf of President Joe Biden and the American folks, “to specific our condolences to a pal and a companion, the United Arab Emirates,” and to supply congratulations to the brand new UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Khalifa, whose modernization insurance policies helped rework his nation right into a regional powerhouse, died on Friday on the age of 73.
Harris mentioned she reaffirmed the US’ dedication to the “safety and prosperity on this area,” and that she spoke of “how the American folks have benefited from this relationship.”
The vice chairman was joined on the high-profile journey by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin, CIA Director Invoice Burns and particular presidential envoy for local weather John Kerry.
The White Home mentioned the journey would even be attended by US Embassy Abu Dhabi Chargé d’Affaires Sean Murphy; Harris nationwide safety adviser Phil Gordon; Nationwide Safety Council coordinator for the Center East and North Africa Brett McGurk; and NSC senior director for the Center East and North Africa Barbara Leaf.
The inclusion of a number of different prime Biden administration officers within the delegation indicators an effort by the US to ease latest tensions between the 2 international locations, which grew after a drone assault on Abu Dhabi by Houthi rebels in January that left three useless. The UAE has pushed to have the Biden administration redesignate the Houthis as a terrorist group after Biden reversed the Trump-era designation.
Biden has referred to as the late UAE chief “a real companion and pal of america.” He mentioned in an announcement, “The USA is decided to honor the reminiscence of the late president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan by persevering with to strengthen the strategic partnership between our international locations over the approaching months and years.”
Sheikh Mohammed, his brother, was unanimously elected president by the nation’s Federal Supreme Council, in accordance with the UAE’s official information company. Sheikh Mohammed had been extensively seen because the de facto chief of the UAE, dealing with day-to-day affairs for the Gulf state, whereas Sheikh Khalifa’s function had been largely ceremonial since he suffered a stroke and underwent surgical procedure in 2014.
