Sheikh Abdullah receives call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

UAE foreign minister discusses regional developments with senior US official

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, called Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, to discuss issues of mutual interest. Reuters/ AFP 

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday.

The two reviewed strategic relations between the UAE and the US as well as issues of common concern, including the normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel.

They also discussed developments in the Gulf and joint efforts to confront threats and maintain security and stability in the region, state news agency Wam reported .

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Blinken praised mutual relations and the collaboration between the two countries across a variety of sectors.

Stressing that the UAE – with the support of its leadership – looks forward to promoting partnerships and working together to face current challenges while maintaining international peace and security, Sheikh Abdullah congratulated Mr Blinken on assuming office.

The UAE and US have strong diplomatic ties. Last month, the two countries conducted a joint military exercise in Abu Dhabi.

For nearly 11 days, a combined land force of 200 Emirati and American soldiers trained alongside each other to strengthen military interoperability – the ability to operate in conjunction with each other.

The war games allowed the forces to work together as a single element to practice communication and co-ordination.