Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Washington, DC for discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

According to Anadolu Agency, the talks focused on economic opportunities, regional security, and humanitarian efforts, highlighting the growing partnership between the United States and the UAE. Rubio expressed gratitude for the UAE's humanitarian assistance and emphasized the importance of preventing Hamas from ruling Gaza or posing a threat to Israel.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce noted that the discussions also covered President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Gulf country, underscoring the significance of the US-UAE strategic partnership in promoting security and prosperity. The meeting provided a platform for exchanging views on pressing regional issues, including the situations in Syria and Sudan.