President Biden calls UAE second-most important military partner after India

President Biden hosted his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan at the White House, marking the first official visit by a UAE leader to Washington since the Islamic nation's founding in 1971, according to UPI.

The two leaders discussed trade, economy , technology and artificial intelligence, space, energy and climate action.

Sheikh Mohammed and Mr. Biden also discussed escalating tensions in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as the strategic partnership between the US and the UAE.

Previously, India was the only country designated as a major military partner by the US. The designation allows the US and the UAE to enhance military cooperation through training, joint exercises and other efforts.

The joint statement after the meeting referred to the UAE's involvement in efforts to resolve the Sudan issue, with both Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Biden stressing that military force was not the answer to war.

US Vice President Kamala Harris also had a private meeting with the UAE leader, but this meeting was not open to the press.

The White House only said the Vice President expressed deep concern about the situation in Sudan, according to Reuters.