Obama and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahayan “reaffirmed their mutual commitment to close defense and security cooperation,” the White House said in a statement after the meeting.
The UAE is part of the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, and is also part of the Saudi-led alliance engaged in air strikes in Yemen against the Iran-allied Shi'ite Houthi group.
“The leaders discussed the ongoing need for expedited provision of essential military equipment and supplies to the UAE” in the context of the fight against Islamic State and US support for the Yemen operations, said Alistair Baskey, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
Obama also discussed the framework deal reached with Iran and world powers earlier this month with the crown prince, the White House said.
Obama will meet with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council at the White House on May 13 and at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, on May 14 to discuss the issues roiling the Middle East.
Following the talks, Sheikh Mohamed said: “I am grateful to the President for his personal leadership and sustained commitment to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons into the Arabian Gulf,” Emirates’ News Agency WAM reported.
“I am hopeful that a final agreement can be reached that addresses the vital concerns of the UAE, other Arabian Gulf nations and the global community.”
“The President and I also made important progress in today’s meeting on new steps to enhance the already deep security partnership between the US and UAE. I look forward to continuing these discussions with the President and other GCC leaders at next month’s Camp David summit,” Sheikh Mohamed added.
The meeting also touched on the latest developments in the Arab region and ways to achieve security and stability in Yemen, Syria and Libya. It also highlighted the implementation of UN resolutions and the GCC initiative regarding Yemen, and the role of the Arab coalition, led by Saudi Arabia against Houthi rebels.
The two sides talked about the air strikes carried out by the international coalition against ISIL and the need for the international community and coalition to continue their commitment and counter terrorist organizations to prevent them from spreading in order to maintain the world’s security and stability, WAM added.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Adviser, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and US Secretary of State John Kerry also attended the meeting.
Source: Reuters, WAM
