 "UAE rejects relocation of Gazans, tells Rubio reconstruction plan must include two-state solution")
The United Arab Emirates has rejected the US proposal to displace Palestinians from their land, reported the Emirati state news agency WAM on Wednesday (February 19).
The rejection by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan came in response to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and relocate its 2.4 million residents to neighbouring nations such as Jordan and Egypt.
The development came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Abu Dhabi as part of his first official tour of the West Asian region.
UAE backs two-state solution
The UAE reiterated its support to the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict for “a comprehensive and lasting peace”.
The country is an important voice at the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is set to hold a summit with Egypt and Jordan this Friday (February 21) in Riyadh in order to respond to Trump’s Gaza plan.
Most of Gaza has turned into ruins following the Israeli assault — in response to the October 7 attacks by the Gaza-based militant group Hamas.
Nahyan- Rubio meet
According to the US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, the two leaders also discussed artificial intelligence, Syria, Lebanon and the Red Sea.
It must be noted that the UAE has played a key role in mediating prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine.
During his meeting with President Nahyan, Rubio thanked the Emiratis for “the strength and enduring nature of the relationship, one marked by strong economic ties, defense cooperation and mutual interests in regional stability.”
Russia-Ukraine peace efforts
Rubio’s visit to the UAE came after his meeting with officials from Russia, in the highest-level contact between Washington DC and Moscow since the war began in Ukraine three years ago.
On Monday, the UAE leader held a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The UAE as well as Saudi Arabia are being considered for potential sites for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine.
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