President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s firm opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza during discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that Gaza’s rebuilding efforts must be rooted in a “comprehensive and lasting peace” based on a two-state solution. The leaders also explored ways to strengthen UAE-US strategic ties across various sectors.
Rubio’s visit to the UAE is part of his Middle East tour focused on addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Since being appointed by President Donald Trump last month, the former Florida senator has taken a central role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East and Europe.
The meeting took place at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. Rubio also held talks with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy and US Ambassador Martina Strong.
Rubio’s regional tour has included stops in Israel and Saudi Arabia, with further meetings planned in Doha. His trip follows President Trump’s controversial proposal for the US to “take ownership” of Gaza, which was swiftly rejected by Saudi Arabia and other regional powers.
During his Riyadh visit on Monday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration on global issues but made no mention of Gaza in official statements.
As the region navigates heightened tensions, Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s unwavering support for stability and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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