Abu Dhabi [UAE], June 25: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio was on the second day of a visit to the Gulf region to reassure allies that a deal to end the Iran-US war would account for their security concerns.
On Wednesday, Rubio held a working lunch with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other senior figures, including National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Rubio then travelled to Kuwait, and is also expected in Bahrain in the coming days as the US looks to reassure its close allies.
"We want to hear from our partners," Rubio told reporters as he arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. "We want to make sure that their views are taken into account, and we understand their security concerns, their regional economic concerns as well." According to his spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, Rubio and Al Nayhan discussed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran "efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region".
He added that Rubio also "thanked the UAE for their leadership and unparalleled support, praised their courage and resilience in the face of Iran's attacks".
Speaking at a press conference in Kuwait City, Rubio said the Trump administration would be "completely aligned" with its Gulf partners as negotiations proceed with Iran following the signing of the MOU.
Source: Qatar Tribune