DECEMBER 02, 2023 Readout of Vice President Harris’s Meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates

 DECEMBER 02, 2023

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates

Vice President Kamala Harris met today with President Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). The Vice President congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on the success of COP28 and welcomed the creation of the UAE’s $30 billion ALTERRA Fund. 

 

The leaders discussed the latest developments in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.  The Vice President emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to secure the release of all hostages who are being held in Gaza, and to ensure there is a sustained flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The Vice President emphasized the importance of the recent deal that led to an extended pause in the fighting, noting that it, before it was violated by Hamas, successfully got more than 100 hostages out while substantially increasing vital humanitarian assistance. 

 

The Vice President discussed U.S. ideas for post-conflict planning in Gaza including efforts on reconstruction, security, and governance, and accelerated U.S.-UAE coordination on day-after planning.  She emphasized that these efforts can only succeed if they are pursued in the context of a clear political horizon for the Palestinian people towards a state of their own led by a revitalized Palestinian Authority and have significant support from the international community and the countries of the region. The Vice President made clear that Hamas cannot control Gaza, which is untenable for Israel’s security, the well-being of the Palestinian people, and regional security.  

 

The leaders also discussed the importance of deterring any state or non-state actors from seeking to expand the conflict. The Vice President also raised other regional issues, including her concerns about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Sudan.  The Vice President reaffirmed the enduring U.S. commitment to UAE’s security and the importance of the robust and growing economic relationship.