Rubio, UAE Leader Discuss Ukraine War, Gaza Ceasefire

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his overseas trip with a pivotal meeting with UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Their discussions focused on maintaining a fragile ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, with Sheikh Mohammed expressing strong opposition to displacing Palestinians from Gaza. Rubio thanked the UAE for its enduring partnership with the U.S., emphasizing cooperation in economic and defense matters. The dialogue also touched upon critical regional issues, including the situation in Syria and Lebanon, and the potential for the UAE to facilitate peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. Notably, there were no immediate details released on the specifics of the discussions held during the meeting, but the UAE's role in mediating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine was highlighted. This meeting underscored the deepening ties between the U.S. and the UAE amidst complex global challenges.