UAE rulers congratulate Biden and Harris on US elections win

Leaders look forward to strengthening of relations with the United States

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomes then US Vice President Joe Biden at Zabeel Palace in March 2016. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo

Mr Biden speaks during a conference with young Emirati entrepreneurs in Dubai in 2016. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo

Mr Biden arrives with his wife Jill Biden in the UAE. Ali Haider / EPA

Mr and Mrs Biden are welcomed by Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Co-operation and Managing Director for the Dubai World Expo 2020 Bid Committee. Ali Haider / EPA

Mr Biden with Sheikh Mohammed. Image: Twitter

Mr Biden with Sheikh Mohammed. Image: Twitter

Sheikh Mohammed and then US Vice President Joe Biden in Dubai. Government of Dubai Media Office via Reuters

The UAE looks forward to strengthening its relations with the United States as the country's rulers, lead by President Sheikh Khalifa, offered their congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for their US elections win.

"Congratulations to the President-Elect of the United States and Vice President-Elect ... We look forward to strengthening our five-decade enduring and strategic relations," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said on Saturday, shortly after the announcement of the long-awaited election results.

"Our sincere wishes for further development and prosperity for the American people. The UAE and USA are friends and allies with a strong historic partnership that we look forward to strengthening together," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Other leaders from around the region also sent their best wishes.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi congratulated Mr Biden, presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said in a statement.

“The President stressed the aspiration for cooperation and joint action to strengthen the strategic bilateral relations between Egypt and the United States, in the interest of the two friendly countries and peoples,” the statement added.

Iraq's President Barham Salih said Mr Biden is "a friend and trusted partner" and that he looked forward to working together with him to build a better Iraq and more peaceful and stable Middle East.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik also offered his "sincere congratulations" to Mr Biden.

Jordan's King Abdullah II also sent his best wishes to Mr Biden and Ms Harris, saying he looked forward to advancing the "shared objectives of peace, stability and prosperity".

President Michel Aoun of Lebanon also congratulated Mr Biden on Saturday.