U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up his overseas trip with a meeting with the leader of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi. This meeting marked a significant diplomatic outreach between the United States and Russia since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The discussions between Rubio and Sheikh Mohammed covered various important topics, including the ongoing ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas. The UAE, which recognized Israel in 2020, has played a crucial role in mediating prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine.
Rubio expressed gratitude to the UAE for the strong and enduring relationship characterized by economic ties, defense cooperation, and shared interests in regional stability. The meeting also delved into discussions on artificial intelligence, the situation in the Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea, which had been a target of attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
Notably, there were no immediate details released on the specifics of the discussions held during the meeting. The UAE has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine meeting with Sheikh Mohammed earlier in the week.
Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been considered as potential locations for peace talks to end the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Saudi Arabia may host a meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, offering a diplomatic opportunity for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The meeting took place at an Abu Dhabi convention center hosting the International Defense Exhibition and Conference, where Ukraine and Russia showcased weapons despite facing Western sanctions over the war. The UAE continues to attract Russian investment, with Dubai's real estate market seeing significant inflows of Russian capital.
Furthermore, daily flights between the Emirates and Moscow serve as a vital link for individuals escaping conscription and the Russian elite. The UAE has also welcomed Ukrainian refugees, adding to its diverse population.
Rubio's visit to the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, which houses a Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue, and an Islamic mosque, underscored the country's commitment to religious tolerance and coexistence.
