US President Joe Biden holds first call with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

The two discussed bilateral relationship and critical foreign policy

Joe Biden 'underlined the strategic importance of the normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel'. Reuters

US President Joe Biden has held his first call with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The two discussed a host of regional issues and reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the US and the UAE.

The call on Tuesday, Mr Biden’s second to a Gulf country since taking office, discussed the bilateral relationship and critical foreign policy priorities for Washington.

He sought "to reaffirm the long-standing partnership" and congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on this year's 50th anniversary of the UAE's formation.

Mr Biden reflected on collaborative efforts between Washington and Abu Dhabi on issues ranging from space to climate to defence and security.

They also discussed clean energy and environmental protection.

“Our two nations continue to strengthen our strategic relations and build on strong common interests," Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.

They discussed regional and global challenges, including “the common quest for de-escalation and peace” in the region, the White House said.

Mr Biden "underlined the strategic importance of the normalisation of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel" after the signing of the Abraham Accord.

He “expressed his full support for strengthening and expanding these arrangements,” the White House said.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, said the call demonstrated the strong ties between the UAE and the US.

"US President Joe Biden's call with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and the visits of officials from the US legislative and executive authorities to Abu Dhabi this week shed light on the broad and distinct strategic bilateral relations," he said on Twitter.
"The essence of communication is the great appreciation for the pivotal role of the UAE in the stability and prosperity of the region."

The call follows a visit by a senior US delegation to Abu Dhabi at the weekend, led by senior White House and State Department officials Brett McGurk and Derek Chollet.