U.S. Top Diplomat Rubio Visits the UAE After Landmark Talks with Russia Over Ukraine War
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Loading... - Irene Floris
- 19 Feb 2025
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded an overseas trip with a meeting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the highest-level outreach between the United States and Russia since the onset of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This visit comes at a critical time as the U.S. seeks to maintain a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Rubio met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and a key figure in UAE diplomacy. The discussions focused on various pressing issues, including artificial intelligence, the situation in the Gaza Strip, and regional stability in Syria and Lebanon. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce highlighted the enduring relationship between the U.S. and the UAE, characterized by strong economic ties and defense cooperation.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed expressed the UAE's strong opposition to any efforts to displace the Palestinian people from Gaza. He emphasized the need for reconstruction efforts in Gaza to be supported by a "comprehensive and lasting peace" based on a two-state solution, which envisions a future Palestinian state alongside Israel.
The UAE has played a pivotal role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, including facilitating prisoner swaps. The meeting with Rubio follows a recent encounter between Sheikh Mohammed and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, indicating the UAE's active involvement in international diplomacy regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Rubio's visit also coincided with the biennial International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, where both Ukraine and Russia showcased their military capabilities despite ongoing Western sanctions against Moscow. This event underscores the complex geopolitical landscape in which the UAE operates, balancing relationships with both Western allies and Russia.
The UAE has become a significant hub for Russian investments, particularly in its booming real estate market, as daily flights between the Emirates and Moscow continue to facilitate movement for both the Russian elite and those fleeing conscription. Additionally, the UAE has welcomed Ukrainian refugees, further complicating the region's dynamics.
As discussions about potential peace talks to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine continue, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been mentioned as possible venues. This could enhance the diplomatic standing of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, especially in light of potential meetings between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Rubio's visit to the UAE highlights the intricate web of international relations and the role of the UAE as a mediator in various global conflicts. As the situation in Gaza and Ukraine evolves, the UAE's diplomatic efforts and its relationships with both the U.S. and Russia will be crucial in shaping future outcomes in these regions. The meeting also reflects the broader implications of geopolitical alliances and the ongoing search for stability in a tumultuous world.
