Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed meets US Secretary of State in Washington

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Tuesday.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the two discussed several topics including the Negev process, an effort to strengthen ties between Arab states and Israel and build on the Abraham Accords.

They also spoke about increased tension between Palestinians and Israelis after the formation of a new far-right government in Israel.

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Blinken spoke warmly of the two countries' close ties.

“We have a wonderful, diverse relationship with the United States,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

“And we should be very proud of everything we have achieved together as governments but together, as the people of both our countries — we are in a terrific place.”

UAE Foreign Minister @ABZayed and I discussed avenues to further deepen the bilateral relationship and cooperation on shared regional and international priorities, such as the importance of supporting de-escalation between Israelis and Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/cojQF6Ny0V
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 15, 2023

Mr Blinken said Tuesday’s meeting was an opportunity to “advance the cause of regional peace, stability, security” in the Middle East.

In a tweet, he said that they "discussed avenues to further deepen the bilateral relationship and cooperation on shared regional and international priorities, such as the importance of supporting de-escalation between Israelis and Palestinians."

Mr Price he "also reiterated the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s generous humanitarian aid contributions to the Ukrainian people."

Sheikh Abdullah says Cop28 must 'unleash climate progress'

The meeting follows a devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which has claimed the lives of more than 35,000 people so far.

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Blinken discussed ways the two countries could contribute to relief efforts, the State Department said.

Both countries have been active in search and rescue efforts and pledged millions of dollars in aid.

The UAE has allocated $100 million of relief to Turkey and Syria and delivered 107 tonnes of assistance to affected areas.

The US, meanwhile, has pledged $85 million in relief to Turkey and Syria and has sent 150 search and rescue operators to the affected areas.