MOHAMMAD GHAZAL (WASHINGTON, DC)
The US views the UAE as a source of security and stability in the region, said Sam Werberg, the Regional Spokesperson for the US Department of State.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Werberg noted that the US has seen the UAE playing a crucial role in the security and stability of the region and globally for decades. He stressed that successive US administrations have regarded the UAE as a source of security and stability in the region for many years, highlighting the close coordination and cooperation between the two friendly countries.
The US recognises the UAE's notable achievements in the fields of emerging technologies and science, such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, and harnessing technology in combating climate change.
"It is not enough to say that the UAE is an important country in the Middle East only, but it is more than that, playing a pivotal role in the future," Werberg said.
In a regional context, he highlighted NATO's Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, and the UAE's major role in it, noting that the initiative is crucial for Gulf countries.
Werberg also pointed out that new challenges, such as climate change, cyberattacks and hybrid threats that transcend geographical boundaries, necessitate the need for sharing NATO's expertise with Allies and Middle Eastern countries. He explained that US-UAE coordination in counterterrorism extends beyond bilateral relations to a significant context against terrorist groups, stressing that the UAE plays a vital role in combating terrorism and disinformation from terrorist groups.
He pointed to the existing robust cooperation between the US and the UAE in defence, military, and security fields, emphasising the commitment of both friendly countries to strengthening these relations.
The spokesperson highlighted that the UAE has achieved great accomplishments in various fields over the years, including artificial intelligence. He pointed out that the UAE is one of the very few countries with a Minister for Artificial Intelligence, praising the nation's adoption of emerging technologies in a wide spectrum of domains.
In the realm of combating climate change, he said: "We have seen significant and new achievements and announcements during COP28," he said. The US official also drew attention to the UAE's important role in providing developmental aid to other countries around the world.
He confirmed that the coordination between the UAE and the US is not limited to politics and security but is built on a solid foundation of accomplishments. The future holds many opportunities for further cooperation, and the UAE is one of the US' most important partners and a key player in this regard, he added.