U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris led a high-level delegation to meet the United Arab Emirates (UAE) new president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Mohamed bin Zayed took over the UAE presidency after his half-brother, former leader Sheikh Khalifa, died last Friday.
The U.S. delegation included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CIA chief William Burns.
I traveled to the United Arab Emirates to express condolences on the passing Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who was a close friend of the U.S, and to make clear we will continue to deepen our partnership under UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s leadership. pic.twitter.com/Vj6liBXyNx
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 16, 2022
“During her visit to the UAE, Harris conveyed condolences on behalf of President Biden, the Biden-Harris Administration, and the American people,” the White House noted in a statement. “The Vice President discussed the legacy and memory of Sheikh Khalifa, who was a good friend of the United States and a trusted partner across multiple Administrations.”
Harris highlighted the strength of the US’ partnership with the UAE, stressing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to deepening ties to advance the interests of the American and Emirati people in the months and years ahead, the statement added.
On her part, the Vice President affirmed that the UAE was a “friend and partner”, as she congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on his election and expressed Washington’s condolences.
“We are here as a delegation… to reaffirm the shared commitment we have to security and prosperity in this region, and also how the American people have benefited from this relationship in terms of security and prosperity,” she said.
