Senior delegations from the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) conducted the annual Joint Military Dialogue on December 15-16 in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. delegation was headed by Under-Secretary of Defence for Policy Colin H. Kahl and the UAE delegation was led by Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces Lt. General Eisa al Mazrouie.
The U.S. Department of Defense official release stated: “The delegations discussed a broad range of regional and defense issues, including threats from Iran; opportunities to expand cooperation as Israel enters the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility; current regional security dynamics; counterterrorism; maritime security; air and missile defense; and security cooperation. Specific discussions focused on efforts to counter regional threats and U.S. global defense strategy, and DoD’s approach to China as the pacing challenge.”
During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a strong bilateral defense relationship and the United States recognized the UAE as a key partner in addressing regional challenges. “Both sides agreed on the importance of the U.S.-UAE strategic partnership, as one based on shared interests and shared priorities,” the statement read.
According to sources, The U.S. and UAE agreed to move forward to promote this strategic partnership between the two countries as a partnership based on the priorities of joint interests.
The Joint Military Dialogue is the bilateral defense forum for advancing the U.S.-UAE defense partnership, which includes the review of shared security interests, discussions on wide-ranging strategic objectives for the bilateral relationship, and regional challenges.
