In March 2016, the war to defeat ISIS in Iraq was intensifying and the crisis in Syria showed no sign of relenting.
Those were Joe Biden's priorities when he arrived in the Middle East on a five-day tour.
Mr Biden, then vice president to Barack Obama, made the UAE his first stop and underlined the strong relations between the counties.
Mr Biden arrived on March 7 and visited US personnel stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the Abu Dhabi.
He criticised the brutality of ISIS and said they had to "squeeze the heart of Daesh in Iraq and Syria so they can't continue to pump their poison in the region and around the world".
Mr Biden held talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, at Emirates Palace where they discussed how to co-operate on the crises in the region.
He also met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
Mr Biden visited Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Masdar City.
His tour of the mosque covered its halls, corridors and outer courtyard.
He also visited the burial place of the Founding President, Sheikh Zayed.
Mr Biden toured Masdar City to highlight co-operation between his country and the UAE on renewable energy and clean technology.
His visit was a testament to the countries’ relationship, “one built on mutual trust, economic partnership and a vision to developing sustainable and knowledge-based economies”, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, chairman of Masdar, said.
Meanwhile, Dr Jill Biden, wife of the vice president, met Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation.
Dr Biden commended Sheikha Fatima’s role in supporting Emirati women and praised them for attaining senior ministerial, parliamentarian, diplomatic and academic posts.
About five years on, Mr Biden is now president and his visit underlines the weight he places on UAE relations.
