Sheikh Abdullah and US Iran envoy Malley discuss lowering regional tension in first call

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation says UAE is committed to working closely with Biden administration

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, underlined the strong relationship between the US and the UAE in a call with Robert Malley. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, discussed regional security and stability on a call with Robert Malley, US President Joe Biden's Special Envoy to Iran.

They talked about strategic relations between the UAE and the US, Wam news agency reported.

“Developments in the region and a number of regional and international issues of common interest and joint co-operation ... for the sake of consolidating the pillars of security and stability in the region” were also discussed.

Mr Malley was appointed to the role last month and the Biden administration has made clear its commitment to consult its allies closely on its intention to address Iran's nuclear threat and the status of the 2015 deal.

On the call with Mr Malley, Sheikh Abdullah underlined the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its relations with the Biden administration and “working closely ... to reduce regional tensions, start a new dialogue and consolidate co-operation frameworks under the umbrella of the Abraham Accord”, Wam said.

Sheikh Abdullah also highlighted the historically strong relationship between the two countries.

On Thursday, Sheikh Abdullah spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The two reviewed strategic relations between Abu Dhabi and Washington, and the US as well as issues of common concern, including the normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel.

They also discussed developments in the Gulf and joint efforts to confront threats and maintain security and stability in the region, Wam reported.

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Blinken praised mutual relations and the collaboration between the two countries in various areas.